Making good window choices

How to make good window choices

We are working to make sustainable living the norm• We are an environmental charity that helps people live

sustainably• Our current focus is on climate change through residential

energy efficiency and storm water management• Many of our services offered as a social enterprise• Serving Waterloo Region since 1999

Funding: Our funding comes from local partners, contracts, grants, client fees and your donations

REEP Green Solutions

PHILIP DRADER

Home Energy

Coach

How to make good window choices

Who is planning to replace some windows in the next year?

Questions anytime

Active projects?

AGENDA

All about windows:

• When should you replace windows?

• General replacement guidelines• Conceptually• R-value • Solar heat gain coefficient and Total

Visibility• Frame material• Testing new windows • Fixed vs casement vs sliders

When should you replace windows?

• Single glazed

• Broken seal

• For comfort

General replacement guidelines

• Full replacement is better than in-frame replacement

• Multi-point locking

• Zero-maintenance

Why windows?

• View

• Insulated

• Air tight

• What amount is comfortable?

(9-16% WWR)

R-value – glazing layers

• Extra air space = warmer window

• Large convection loop vs small convection loops vs direct bounce

• Does the gas used between the window panes matter?

R-value – spacers and gas

Argon, Air, Xenon, Krypton

What is a spacer?

Are some better than others?

R-value – low-E coating

• Low-E stands for ‘low emissivity‘

• Increases the R-value

R-value – low-E coating

• Solar radiation through air

Solar heat gain coefficient and total visibility

Low-e coating

• Spectrally selective coatings

• Two main types: solar blocking and solar gates

• Tvis is total visibility – usually higher is better

Frame material pros and cons

• Vinyl

• Fiberglass

• Wood

Testing new windows – CSA A440

Window testing standard covers:

• Ease of Operation

• Air Tightness

• Water Tightness

• Wind Load Resistance

• Forced Entry Resistance

• Condensation Resistance

• Mechanical Tests

Quick interlude about moisture

Condensation on windows

Problem is either:

• 1. Too much moisture

• 2. Surface of glass too cold

Fixed vs casement vs sliders

• Insulation

• Visible light

• Resistance to wind, water, intruders

• Cleaning

Fixed vs casement vs sliders

• Insulation

• Visible light

• Resistance to wind, water, intruders

• Cleaning

Questions?

Review

1. High R-value (i.e. Low U-value) is always good

2. Solar heat gain can be useful

3. Buy for no maintenance and good hardware

Sustainable Living Speaker Series - SPRING

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 REEP House for Sustainable Living20 Mill St., Kitchener Register in advance: reepgreen.ca

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May 7Pro Tips on using your Rain Barrel With Brendan Schaefer

June 4Summer Holiday Green GuideWith Laura McDonald

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