Clinton News-Record, 1984-10-24, Page 39Conserve Energy—Page 6
Poorly maintained windows destroy energy bndgets
A single pane of glass loses heat 10 to 20
times as fast as a well insulated wall. This is
an obvious problem, especially if you've
already upgraded insulation and heating
equipment. Large, badly located and poorly
maintained window areas can make a huge
hole in your energy budget. Depending on
your budget and the opportunities available
to you, cutting window heat loss by as much
as 75 per cent is possible.
There are two major options – the less ex-
pensive, working with the windows you
already have; and the more expensive,
replacing existing windows with new,
energy-efficient units. The choice you make
will depend on the condition of your windows
and how much you are willing to spend. In
either case the improvements will pay for
themselves over time.
If original windows are in good shape, the
first step is to make sure they are properly
sealed. This means caulking around window
frames and trim, sealing individual panes of
glass and weatherstripping all movable
seams. Once this is done, the trick is to pro-
vide an extra layer of glazing, thus pro-
viding an insulating air space between two
outer skins. Outside the house, permanent
or removeable storm windows are the
answer. From the inside, the most inexpen-
sive option is soft or rigid plastic on win-
dows. It can be removed in the summer and
with better quality materials can be used for
several years.
If some or all windows ate to be replaced,
the major choice is between double- and
triple -sealed glazing. Double glazing, due to
lower cost and availability, is the most
popular. These windows are available in a
variety of frame materials. In colder parts
of Canada, triple glazing is becoming more
popular. To reach this level of energy effi-
ciency, either install a factory -sealed,
triple -glazed unit or install storms on the ex-
terior of double -glazed units.
In addition to these options, the serious
energy saver should investigate the use of
movable window insulation. Insulating cur-
tains, made from heavy, multi -layered
material do an effective job if they are ade-
quately sealed around the edge. Insulating
shutters or panels are even more effective.
They can be installed inside for protection
and convenience. Constructed from rigid
foam, with a . plywood covering and
Turn to page 100
•
Fixin' up the homestead?
What about
the windows?
Match today's energy standards with today's windows.
Build in the thermal efficiency of Dashwood windows
and do it yourself -
Dashwood has a complete range of replacement
windows custom built to your specifications,
In less than a day, you can exchange a cold drafty
wlnd'ow for a Dashwood easy -maintenance, insulating
window and but your energy costs for years. •
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Ceiling fans
are effective
In homes with high ceilings, a ceiling fan
can be an effective way to reduce heating
costs. These fans. el' to the normal
layering of the heated at, a000rhich can pro-
duce high temperatures along the ceiling
while leaving the living areaool. A ceiling
fan disrupts this layering by forcing heated
air down, mixing- and equalizing the room
air temperature.
In rooms with a ceiling height greater
than 2:4 rn (8 ft) the savings can be con-
siderable. With the elimination of heat
layering, thermostat settings can be
lowered, resulting in fuel savings worth up
to $200 annually. The cost of operating the
average fan is only a few dollars per month.
Attic reinsulation
The popularity of attic reinsulation is
understandable. Most attics can be retrofit-
ted at relatively low cost and with ease.
When householders consider upgrading in-
sulation the empty and usually accessible.
attic is an attractive target. Given that 10 to
15 per cent of all heat loss occurs through
the attic and roof there are significant
energy savings to be gained through such
measures.
DID YOU KNOW THAT:
• A short shower, instead of a bath, uses up
to 50 per cent les hot water.
• Replacing a .seven -cent tap washer on a
leaky faucet can save up to 9,000 litres of hot
water each year.
• Setting back your thermostat at night, or
when your house is empty, can save as
much as 20 per cent on your heating bill.