Should new windows be part of your energy efficiency plan? If you ask a window salesman, the answer will always be ‘yes’ as they tout the higher R-values and low-E coatings of their products. While it may be hard to argue with higher R-values and low-E coatings, replacing windows throughout a building is expensive and may not give you the energy savings owners, managers and residents expect, at least that is the opinion of Andy Padian, a well respected multifamily energy auditor with over 30 years of experience in the New York area and currently Vice President for Energy Efficiencies at Community Preservation Corporation.
According to Mr. Padian, if you are going to change out the windows, make sure to specify better windows, preferably fiberglass or wood. Triple-paned fiberglass windows can have R-value ratings of R-4 to R-8 and can be quite good for cold weather states. Make sure that the low-E coatings differ based upon the orientation of the building and shading characteristics. Low-E coatings can reduce heat usage because they radiate the heat generated inside a unit back into the unit. They also work to keep heat out in the summer.
Windows need to be installed correctly so they do not become thermal bridges, allowing warmed air out and cold air in during the winter and conditioned air out and hot air in during the summer.
But Should You Replace Those Windows?
There are better and cheaper methods for increasing a property’s energy efficiency than replacing old windows. Among many other things, be sure you have sealed and insulated the building well and your heating equipment is properly sized and functioning according to design specifications.
A window replacement is in order if they are single and rattling in the wind or there are several broken ones that need attention. New windows can help to give an older or dilapidated building a much needed facelift. However, an owner or property management company would be wise to differentiate between a capital improvement and an energy improvement when considering ROI. If existing windows have exceeded their lifespan, then replacing them would be a capital improvement.
Remember, there may be rebates or tax incentives available for window upgrades. However, in some municipalities, benchmarking is required to be eligible for energy efficient upgrades.
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