Energy savings from window replacement
There are many valid reasons to replace windows. If they are not structurally sound, they should be replaced. New windows look nicer, can be easier to clean, and can be less likely to have condensation problems. They are usually tighter, and this can result in greater comfort and energy savings. Although they represent a relatively small portion of total air leakage, they leak in places where people are most likely to feel the leaks. Consumers who are considering window replacement should weigh the advantages of tighter windows - energy savings and increased comfort - along with other advantages, against the cost. If the consumer was interested primarily in energy savings and the windows were structurally sound, it would cost less to weatherstrip, caulk and possibly put interior storms or plastic over the windows. This could result in similar if not greater savings. This paper has examined reasonable methods for a rough prediction of energy savings that have been used by some of the most knowledgeable scientists in the field. But every house is different, hence it is not possible to give a general figure for projected energy savings due to window replacement. The more extreme the case of leakiness, the better the economic reasons for replacement. However, in most cases, the economic benefits are marginal for window replacement solely on the basis of energy savings. 11 refs., 2 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Iowa Energy Policy Council, Des Moines (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG47-80CS69097
- OSTI ID:
- 5428947
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/CS/69097-T1; ON: DE85015761
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
WINDOWS
COST
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
HEAT LOSSES
AIR INFILTRATION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
PAYBACK PERIOD
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
BUILDINGS
DATA
ENERGY LOSSES
INFORMATION
LOSSES
NUMERICAL DATA
OPENINGS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
320101* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Residential Buildings- (-1987)