SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 3, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Serious Materials, the leading provider of high-tech products and services which reduce energy usage in the built environment, today announced that a recently completed study ranks high R-value windows as the number one consideration for optimum energy-saving performance and return on investment for both residential retrofits and new home construction.
The study, completed by Ann V. Edminster, M. Arch., LEED AP+ Homes, a nationally recognized expert on green home design and construction, reviews popular energy improvement options in two different residential retrofit scenarios in three climate zones, and seven energy variables in new home construction. The study helps remodeling businesses, homeowners, architects, builders, and energy professionals identify the most cost-effective means of improving home energy performance. The analysis was performed as research for her latest book, Energy Free: Homes for a Small Planet.
In one scenario, Edminster asks (and answers) the retrofit question: "If I have $15,000 to spend on my home to reduce energy use as much as possible, what gives the best bang for the buck?" She then weighs and compares the performance of three popular energy retrofit approaches when applied to a typical 1,900 square-foot suburban home, which are:
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Energy Improvement Package – includes increasing insulation (to R-49 in the attic and R-13 under flooring), sealing all air leaks throughout the home (weatherstripping, caulking, etc.) and upgrading lighting and appliances to ENERGY STAR® compliant models.
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Replacement Windows – replacing both R-1 (single pane) or R-2 (dual pane) with full-frame R-5 windows.
- Photovoltaic Solar System – 2kW array installed on roof.
Note: R-value (the inverse of U-value) is a measure of thermal resistance used to compare insulating values through any material. The higher the R-value of a material, the better the insulating properties. An average insulated wall is approximately R-13, while ENERGY STAR® rated windows are only approximately R-2 to R-3 (varies according to climate zone). A higher R-value defines which window will better retain heat on cold days or cooling in hot weather.
The study results clearly indicate that high R-value replacement widows are not only competitive with other retrofit alternatives, but in various situations they were also the clear number one choice performance-wise.
In the single pane (R-1) window replacement scenario, the R-5 window upgrade yielded a dramatic 38.4 percent improvement (with a 1.05 KBtu/sf-year energy reduction for every $1,000 spent) – more than three times the value of the Energy Improvement Package, which yielded only a 12.4 percent reduction in energy use. The Solar System provided the least energy benefits, with only a 12.1 percent reduction in source energy and 0.33 KBtu/sf-year per $1,000 spent.
While values and savings were closer in the dual pane (R-2) window replacement scenario, the study still clearly demonstrates that R-5 windows are competitive with other retrofit alternatives. Also in this study, when viewing new home construction energy features, high R-value of windows provided the greatest influence on whole-building energy-efficiency.
"R-5 and above windows represent a game-changing entry into the residential replacement window market and into the broader realm of energy efficiency retrofit options," notes study author, Ann Edminster. "While in the past, window replacement was not typically viewed as offering a good return on investment from an energy perspective, it should now be considered routinely for home energy retrofit projects, with comfort improvements the icing on the cake."
In every case, both for this study and on all retrofit and new construction installations, numerous variables come into play that must also be taken into consideration to maximize a home's energy efficiency performance – such as orientation (which way windows face), window technologies and overall window area.
"While this analysis does not address every climate, design or other circumstance, it provides ample evidence that our high R-value windows (R-5 to R-11 full-frame) are critical to energy savings and they offer extremely good value and fast payback compared to other techniques," adds Serious Materials CEO and President, Kevin Surace. "Both in new homes and existing homes where energy performance is a priority, ultra-advanced windows, such as those from Serious, are a top consideration."
Editors: Ann V. Edminster's complete study can be found at http://www.seriouswindows.com/highrvaluestudy .
About Serious Materials, Inc.
Serious Materials is the leading provider of high-tech products and services that reduce energy usage in the built environment, the largest contributor of CO2 worldwide. The company has 52 patents pending and issued. SeriousWin10dows™ and SeriousGlass™ commercial glass offer the highest R-value performance of any window, reducing heating and cooling energy costs and related CO2 by up to 50% and providing rapid payback compared to dual pane windows. QuietRock® soundproofing drywall substantially reduces material use and provides high reliability, lowest cost code compliant walls for hospitals, schools, hotels, and multifamily projects. The company is also the largest provider of advanced fiberglass pultrusion for highly insulated windows and curtain wall systems. With six manufacturing plants in North America, Serious products have been installed in over 70,000 projects (including the Empire State Building) and are available through thousands of local dealers for residential and commercial projects. For more information visit www.seriousmaterials.com .
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About Ann V. Edminster, M.Arch., LEED AP+ Homes
Ann Edminster is a recognized national expert on green home design and construction. She is a principal author of the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) for Homes Rating System and consults to builders, owners, developers, supply chain clients, design firms, investors, entrepreneurs, non-profits, and public agencies. She sits on advisory boards of a number of green building companies, including Serious Materials, is a contributing editor to GreenBuildingAdvisor.com and Ultimate Home Design, and has consulted on numerous LEED Platinum Home projects that are targeting multiple high-performance ratings and certifications, including net-zero energy. She is a widely acclaimed green building educator and facilitator and has co-organized three international green building conferences. For more information visit www.designavenues.net .