For information on
energy efficient pool heaters.
For energy efficient windows: Low-e Glazings Low-e glazings have special coatings that reduce heat
transfer through windows. The coatings are thin, almost invisible metal
oxide or semiconductor films that are placed directly on one or more
surfaces of glass or on plastic films between two or more panes. The
coatings typically face air spaces within windows and reduce heat flow
between the panes of glass.
When applied inside a double-pane window, the low-e coating is placed on
the outer surface of the inner pane of glass to reflect heat back into
the living space during the heating season. This same coating will
slightly reduce heat gain during the cooling season.
Low-e films are applied in either soft or hard coats. Soft-coat low-e
films degrade when exposed to air and moisture, are easily damaged, and
have a limited shelf life, so they are carefully applied by
manufacturers in insulated multiple-pane windows. Hard low-e coatings,
on the other hand, are more durable and can be used in add-on (retrofit)
applications. But the energy performance of hard-coat low-e films is
slightly poorer than that of soft-coat films. Windows manufactured with
low-e films typically cost about 10% to 15% more than regular windows,
but they reduce energy loss by as much as 30% to 50%.
Although low-e films are usually applied during manufacturing, retrofit
low-e window films are also widely available for do-it-yourselfers.
These films are inexpensive compared to total window replacements, last
10 to 15 years without peeling, save energy, reduce fabric fading, and
increase comfort.
