Energy Savings Start At The Window (NAPSA)—Theright kind of win- dow can help you see your way clear to lower energy bills. In fact, window quality is a primary consideration in the effort to reduce energy bills and eliminate condensation that leads to rot and unhealthy mold. If your windowsare poorly fitted, or weatherworn with cracks and leaks, or if they produce condensation all too quickly, they are letting you down. Such conditions create unnecessary costs for you and for the environment. “Poor-quality windows are a wake-up call, but so are other less noticeable energy guzzlers in the home,” said Erin Johnson, spokesperson for Edgetech, an industry leader in the development of health-smart windows and warm edge technology. Edgetech supplies the foam Super Spacer, a nonmetallic warm edge spacer that is proven to reduce condensation and mold. “In a window showroom,” she continued, “the best way to identify technology is to read the decals and labels. If the window is tagged with the international Energy Star symbol, for example, it is an indication that the product qualifies as the highest in its category for energyefficiency. Also check the energy efficiency U-Value; the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC); and the Visible Light Transmission (VT). In each case, generally, the smaller the number, the better. “As importantly, avoid windowpane edging materials that are made of aluminum or stainless Be Winpow Smart—Condensation on windows maybe an early sign of trouble. steel. The key to condensation and mold control is a windowpane with the warmest surface temperature possible. Metal edging won’t doit. The best warm edge technology utilizes the all-foam Super Spacer. This edging conducts heat and cold at a rate 950 times lower than aluminum and 85 times less than stainless steel.” More information is at www.healthsmartwindows.com. Consider these additional ways to lower household energy use: * Install low-flow showerheads, since showers account for 35 percent of your hot water use. * Keep your hot water heater set at 120 F. * Install a programmable thermostat and in winter set it at 70 F during the day and 62 F at night. * Replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights, since they use one-third as muchelectricity.
