making good window choices
TRANSCRIPT
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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