The Efficacy of Energy Efficient Windows and Doors

Pella sorts out the facts and myths

With all the discussion these days on how to save money on utilities, consumers may wonder, is it really worthwhile to replace old windows and doors with more energy-efficient ones? The answer is an unequivocal yes — the proof is in the performance and the utility savings.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR^® program helps identify products proven to be energy efficient. ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program that helps businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. In 2004 alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy to power 24 million homes and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 20 million cars — all while saving $10 billion.

In a home, energy efficient choices can save families about a third on energy bills with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Department of Energy.

For businesses, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers an ENERGY STAR partnership, a proven energy management strategy that helps measure current energy performance, set goals, track savings, and reward improvements. EPA provides an energy performance rating system which businesses have used for more than 21,000 buildings across the country.

"With the high cost of natural gas this winter, choosing energy-saving products is a must for any homeowner. To avoid the sticker shock of high utility bills, consumers should look around their home and identify where replacing or updating items would result in better long-term savings- and a short-term defense against high energy prices," said Kathy Krafka Harkema, energy efficiency expert, Pella Corporation.

By making minor adjustments to their home, consumers could enjoy significant energy savings. To set the record straight on what’s truly effective and what’s not when it comes to energy efficiency, here are commonly-held myths about windows and doors, and the facts:

MYTH: Sealing windows shut is an effective way to conserve energy.

FACT: Sealing windows shut is not only ineffective, it’s dangerous! This myth must date back to the times of early settlers when log cabins featured holes in the wall for windows. Windows must be operable and functioning at all times of the year to provide ventilation and a possible emergency escape route. The emergency escape is especially critical in the winter months when homes are more susceptible to fire and the only quick route out may be through a window.

MYTH: Covering windows with plastic is a great long term solution to cutting the cold air that leaks in through existing windows.

FACT: Plastic over windows is a band-aid approach to larger issues involving windows. If there is significant air leaking in or around windows, the best solution is to replace the entire window to gain maximum energy efficiency and block the outdoor air during cold or hot months.

MYTH: Aluminum windows are just as energy efficient as any other type of window.

FACT: Aluminum is the least energy efficient material for windows. Wood, by its insulating nature, is highly energy efficient. Plus, it’s one of the earth’s few renewable resources. In addition to wood, quality fiberglass and vinyl materials are also good choices for energy-efficient windows and doors.

MYTH: The argon gas in between panes of glass eventually all leaks out so there’s no need for it to begin with.

FACT: Total myth. Different climates require different window technologies for best performance. For energy savings, look for insulating glass with argon-filled, low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings to reduce heat transfer through the glass and reduce UV rays.*

MYTH: Storm doors are nice for looks but add no energy savings to a home.

FACT: A properly fitted and solid storm door can add significant savings to a home. According to independent testing, a Pella storm door added to an entryway can reduce energy loss through the entryway by up to 45 percent. A new storm door can pay for itself in energy savings.

MYTH: Putting towels or rugs around leaking entry or patio doors will solve the problem, keeping the cold air out.

FACT: While it might be a logical short-term solution, many homeowners deny the bigger issue — a door may not have been installed properly. Just like windows, it is critical that doors are hung properly for maximum performance. Check the weatherstripping around the door to make sure it seals. Evaluate the door’s threshold. Adjust or replace weatherstripping or threshold seals as necessary to reduce unwanted hot or cold air from entering the home. When replacing entry doors for best performance, safety, or to improve energy-efficiency, select entry door systems that are factory-built to quality standards, such as Pella entry door systems, rather than doors assembled on-site from pieces or components.

Energy efficient products from Pella

Most Pella products meet or exceed the Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR guidelines. Here are just a few examples of the energy value of Pella products:

Pella^® Designer Series^® windows and patio doors with triple-pane glass are number one for energy efficiency among top national brands.** Most Architect Series^®, ProLine^®, Pella^® Impervia^® and ThermaStar by Pella^® products meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements of .35 u-values or less.

Pella^® Impervia^® windows and patio doors, manufactured from Duracast^® — the strongest, most durable material available in windows and doors — and featuring Low-E insulating glass, are designed to provide greater energy efficiency. And, unlike ordinary fiberglass, Duracast is sleek and not bulky. Now available in double-hung window styles, in addition to white, tan or brown color options, these high endurance windows and patio doors are National Fenestration Research Council (NFRC)-certified and meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements in all U.S. 50 states, helping save on energy costs.

Pella^® ProLine^® windows and doors provide more value than ever before with additional size offerings to fit a variety of openings in a home or building. Plus with convenient factory pre-finishing options, this product saves money and time in overall construction costs.

ThermaStar by Pella^® brings a quality vinyl choice to the table for homeowners or businesses. ThermaStar windows and patio doors are a proven energy efficient option and available in white or almond.

About Pella

Celebrating 81 years in business, Pella Corporation is recognized in the window and door industry for its technology and innovation, having earned more than 100 product and design patents. In addition to windows and patio doors, the company also manufactures entry door systems with the same level of quality and technology for which Pella is known worldwide.

For more information visit the website at www.kc-pella.com or call 1-800-59-PELLA

* High-altitude Low-E insulating glass does not contain argon gas
** Superior NFRC U-values and SHGC ratings