A window on energy efficiency (AZ)

[jpak]

http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/115176

Bevan Olyphant's Sonoita home is the epitome of cool: a 1960s Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired creation of concrete with floor-to-ceiling window walls.

Trouble was, the windows were single-paned — leaving Olyphant with hefty heating and cooling bills.

Since replacing his windows, he says, he seldom has to turn on a heater or an air-conditioning unit. "The difference has been huge."

We all know that good windows make sense, but with so many variations out there, it's easy to feel blinded by science.

<factoids follow>

[catmother]

1. ii live in phoenix and i think all the new homes are now built with

dual pane windows. you can also pay a little more and get low E windows. the original adobe homes (built with mud) are also very efficient. the walls are really thick and windows were placed in a way to take advantage of the sun in the winter and the shade in the summer. all of the rooms in the back of my house have triple arcadia doors in all the rooms to take advantage of the views.

i would love to build an adobe home but it's extremely expensive opposed to the original ones that were built years ago.

arizona is also a great place to use solar but again the initial expense is really costly.

[jwirr]

2. Windows indeed make a difference. Habitat for Humanity in

Minnesota built a house for my granddaughter in cold northern Minnesota. They put hugh windows in every room. Single pane with no storm windows. Her heating bills are terrible and there is little she can do about it but replace them. I did show her how many of us in the 70s used quilted shades to conserve energy. We are thankful for her home but it does not stop the huge energy costs.

[catmother]

3. well it's great that she got her house. i guess Habit for

Humanity doesn't have enough funds for the extras. still a good cause.

[jwirr]

4. Agreed and I think it was more the local group who

were cutting corners everywhere. Habitat is proud of the houses they build ususally.