DOE Launches Website for Affordable, High-Efficiency Windows

[Dover]

Hoping to make high-efficiency windows more affordable and to expand their market, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has created a bulk-purchasing program aimed at homeowners and builders in northern climates. It has arranged with over 30 manufacturers to list windows with insulation values of R-5 or better through a DOE website, www.WindowsVolumePurchase.org. Spurred by this spotlight, DOE hopes that manufacturers will offer their windows at relatively affordable rates, although they are not required to do so.

Anyone can buy, but options limited to vinyl

The program is intended for anyone purchasing at least 15 to 20 windows. Included in the lineup of windows are windows for new construction, retrofits, low-emissivity (low-e) storm windows, and patio doors—the latter are available with no minimum purchase. All the windows listed on the site at press time were white and vinyl-framed—a limited selection that may deter some buyers. The limited selection appears to be a result of the cost-competitiveness of vinyl, and not because of a DOE criterion.

A savings estimator on the website helps purchasers calculate the payback for triple-glazed, very-high-performance windows as opposed to more typical double-glazed windows. According to DOE, triple-pane, R-5 windows can reduce heat loss through the windows by more than 30% when compared to a double-glazed, R-3 window in a northern climate. Low-e storm windows, DOE says, can reduce heating loads by 20% and have a payback of about five years in a climate like that in Chicago. ..cont'd

http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/2010/6/10/DOE-Launches-Website-for-Affordable-High-Efficiency-Windows/


(DOE acknowledges its website is a work in progress, so bring your
patience).

[Champion Jack]

1. K & R

[madrchsod]

2. i need windows but i can`t afford them....

there`s homes and apartments across america that need windows but no one can afford the thousands of dollars to install them.

if i had 10,000 i could buy a new furnace at 85% efficiency,a air conditioner at 50+%,and new window that would 75% better than what i have now.at my age i`ll never have the money to do this.

[Dover]

3. I'm getting a new energy efficient roof and assume I'll get rebates from the gov.

I think it's up to $1500. I believe they are giving the same breaks on energy efficient windows. I know that's peanuts relative to the cost of many projects, but hey.... that's something. I assume you have looked into
their energystar rebate and other state and fed programs?

[kestrel91316]

4. I was interested to see one of the 1970's era apartment buildings in my

neighborhood get ALL NEW WINDOWS recently, along with new siding and Tyvek wrap and new paint. Major energy upgrade, I assume. Unheard-of investment for an apartment building. Typically, landlords don't give a damn how leaky and uninsulated their units are around here.