Article Courtesy of CleanBC
Guide to High Performance Homes – Windows
Faced with rising energy costs, a greater concern for the environment and an increased focus on the comfort and health of families, home-buyers are looking for homes that are more comfortable, healthier, energy efficient, environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate.
Increasing options during the build would include maximizing the performance of the building envelope by adding more insulation, paying attention to details to increase the air tightness and add a heat recovery ventilation system to improve the air quality.
Windows play a huge role in increasing air tightness. When it comes to windows, size, type and location can make a big difference. in a high performance home the windows would typically be triple glazed.
A house designer should look at the impact of different window options in terms of both energy and comfort. The more windows in the home, the higher the risk of overheating. Proper attention to the windows and shading can help maximize passive solar heating in the winter while avoiding overheating in the summer. Windows facing south should typically have overhands that shad the windows when the sun is high in the summer, and allow sunlight in during the winter when the sun is lower in the sky. East and west facing windows may need external shading to limit overheating.
Learn more about Westeck’s high performance Aluminum Windows and Balcony Doors
Learn more about Westeck’s high performance Vinyl Slider Windows
About Westeck Windows and Doors
