bowenwindows.com

Energy Efficient Interior Design

Energy sensitive interior design is the designing and planning of rooms and the specification of materials with the intention of reducing energy consumption in a home. Energy conscious occupants need ways to make their homes thermally comfortable while reducing energy consumption.
Energy-conscious design may combine conservation methods, such as insulation and thermostat set-back, with passive solar heating.

This approach can be applied to new and older homes. It involves making the home as energy conserving as possible, then supplying heating needs with solar heat by increasing the number of windows on the south side to collect heat (and possibly reducing the number of windows on the north and west sides), using thermal mass to store heat, and properly designing and placing walls and furnishings to allow distribution of heat. Storage of solar heat occurs in a dense mass materials like concrete, brick and water. Most mass materials are hard and reflect sound.

Selecting Windows For Energy Efficiency

New window technologies have increased energy benefits and comfort, and provided more practical options for consumers. This selection guide will help homeowners, architects, and builders take advantage of the expanding window market. The guide contains three sections: an explanation of energy-related window characteristics, a discussion of window energy performance ratings, and a convenient checklist for window selection.

Selecting the right window for a specific home invariably requires tradeoffs between different energy performance features, and with other non-energy issues. An understanding of some basic energy concepts is therefore essential to choosing appropriate windows and skylights.

Window Checklist

For Design, Specification, and Installation

This checklist guides homeowners, architects, and builders in selecting residential windows and skylights.
Selecting the right window can be difficult because of the many factors involved and the great variations in climate, utility costs, and occupant needs. Users should mark the items that apply to their particular needs.
Other local sources of information for window selection are utilities, provincial/state and local code officials, design professionals, and building materials suppliers.

Insulating Value and Condensation Resistance

Look for NFRC U factor ratings and labels to guide selection.
Select double-pane windows in all but climates where no heating is needed. Select double-or triple-pane windows with low-e coatings and gas fills in cold climates to reduce heat losses and condensation.
Select windows with wood, vinyl, fiberglass, or properly designed thermally broken aluminum frames in all climates where heating is needed, to reduce frame and edge heat losses and condensation.
Use heavy drapes, thermal shades, or thermal shutters to provide additional window insulation in cold climates.