Windows are often overlooked by the average homeowner when thinking about energy efficient solutions. However, they play an important role in passive cooling, efficient interior lighting, and even optimizing the performance of indoor appliances.
Passive cooling
Even the most primitive windows contribute to how well a house can stay cool during warm weather. Basic windows serve as outlets to let warm air out and cool air in. Efficient window placement based on outdoor wind direction and house orientation can maximize airflow, reducing the need to rely on electrical appliances for cooling.
On the other hand, windows also play an important role in keeping the house warm during nighttime or cold weather. Windows with well-sealed frames can hold warm air inside. Keeping a house from getting too warm is just a matter of opening the window until indoor temperatures are at a comfortable level. More recent window options are designed to retain or release heat better than others, such as gas-filled windowpanes.
Interior lighting
Windows are still the main source of natural indoor lighting, even with the growing popularity of skylights in modern home designs. Natural lighting can work alongside passive cooling, but sometimes they tend to clash – the more sunlight enters the house, the lesser need for using indoor lamps during daytime. However, more sunlight also means warmer indoor temperatures, which can cause a problem during warm seasons. Using the right type of window and curtains can help you achieve the balance between keeping the indoors well lit, and comfortable.
Efficiency of appliances
Many people don’t realize that energy efficient windows affect more than electric bills and indoor temperature. Aside from the heater or air conditioner having to do less work, using energy efficient windows can also affect the efficiency of other appliances. Windows help control indoor humidity, which could cause moisture formation and rust damage. Ambient temperature, which can also be regulated by windows, can also affect the long-term performance of your televisions and computers.
Now that you know how important windows are in saving energy, stay tuned for Part 2, coming soon, where we will talk about the features that make windows energy efficient.
