{Visual}: Host in living room and view of windows.
Windows can be a defining feature of a home, enhancing both its curb appeal and interior ambience. But they can also be a major source of air leakage, outside noise and water problems.
{Visual}: Exterior of a house. Camera pans across façade with windows and zooms in toward a fixed window.
Whether replacing existing windows in your home or selecting windows for a new house, making the right choices today can reduce your energy costs, improve comfort levels and reduce maintenance needs for years to come.
{Visual}: Living room, graphic with still images of different window frames.
One of your first decisions will be about frame material: should you go with wood, vinyl, aluminum or fibreglass? Each has benefits in terms of energy efficiency, upkeep, ease of operation and appearance, so do some research before making a decision.
{Visual}: Room with a desk in front of a corner with both a fixed and an operable casement window.
Another important consideration is whether you want a fixed or operable window.
{Visual}: Close-up detail of the fixed window.
Fixed windows are often the best energy performers because there are no moving parts that can allow air leakage.
{Visual}: Casement window which is partly open. A man enters and turns the crank to close it and then flips lever to lock it.
If you need an operable window, casement or awning units are generally the best choice since they provide a relatively airtight seal.
{Visual}: Cut-away section of a triple-glazed window.
For enhanced performance, consider installing triple-pane windows. Make sure they have insulating spacers between the panes to avoid heat loss in the winter and prevent condensation issues.
{Visual}: Host seated on sofa in the living room. Scene cuts to windows in living room. Camera tilts from bottom to top of windows. Scene then cuts to exterior shot of same windows. Two open awning windows are closed.
Solar heat gain is another consideration. By allowing solar energy from the sun into your house during the winter, high-performance windows can significantly reduce your home heating bill. But the key is location, size () and the right type of specialized coatings that can be applied to the glass. Too many south-facing windows can overheat rooms, even in winter.
{Visual}: Front of house, showing awnings over several of the windows.
Exterior shading devices, such as awnings, can help control unwanted solar gains.
{Visual}: Host seated on sofa in the living room.
Poor installation can affect the performance of even the most energy-efficient windows, so talk to a window specialist and make sure your new windows are installed by a certified technician.
For more information on sustainable features for your home, visit www.cmhc.ca.