Showing Drafts The Door—And Windows (NAPSA)—Accordingto the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), ina typical house, over 40 percent of the annual energy budget is consumed by heating andcooling. Fortunately, for many homeowners, properly selecting windows and doors can help save a significant amount of money. According to someexperts, the right high-performance, energy-efficient window could save up to three months worth of energy bills. In recent years, windows have undergone a technological revolution. The remarkable advances in their performance are based mainly on developments in glass coating and insulated glazing. The benefits include: * Reduction of air infiltration and heatloss. * Less frost and condensation. * Less fading of carpets, fabries, upholstery, wallpaper, artwork, paints and wood trim. * Reduction in peak heating and cooling loads, which can result in a smaller heating or cooling system. To determine if your current window package measures up, ask a local window expert. If you do need new windows, there are five steps to consider: 1. Check with the utility company. It may offer incentives to homeowners who make improvements that save energy. You maybeeligible for a low-interest loan or discount if you replace your windows. 2. Ask the window provider about energy-efficiency insulating features such as argon gas between the panes of glass and a low-E coating. 3. Look for the Energy Star. The Energy Star program wascre- Many homeowners overlook their doors and windows when trying to save energy. ated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the DOEto help individuals identify products that save energy. 4. Read labels. The National Fenestration Rating Council label contains the window’s U-value and other ratings. The lower the U-value, the better the window will resist heat transfer. 5. Look online. Some informative sites regarding windowsinclude the Efficient Windows Collaborative, www.efficientwindows.org; Energy Star, www.energystar.gov; and the National Fenestration Rating Council, www.nfre.org. To find out about Energy Starapproved products and high-efficiency windows, you can also visit the Web site of Pella corporation, window provider and DOE’s partner in the Energy Star program. It’s www.pella.com; or you can call 888-84-PELLA.
