dkatz (01/05/83)
NEEDED - Ideas for reducing heat loss through windows.
As you ALL know, the major loss of heat from an energy efficient house
(not counting what goes up the chimney) is radiant loss from the windows -
particularly at night.
I am planning to build a new house and am looking for ideas on how to prevent
this. Suggestions found so far are:
1. Curtains
only minimally effective.
2. Shutters
- indoor shutters move through usable floor or wall space and are
therefore undesirable.
- outdoor shutters!!! Who wants to go outside at -40 degrees to
close the shutters.
- outdoor shutters controlled by mechanical devices indoors tend
to freeze up, and require special care in the design to prevent
infiltration around the mechanism
- outdoor shutters motor driven and controlled from indoors tend to
freeze up and are EXPENSIVE
3. Heat Blinds
still not very good because air circulation around them still permits
large heat loss. Also, the glass is to the outside while the blinds
are closed, and therefore tend to collect moisture => wood rot, and
humidity problems. This is also true of indoor shutters.
4. Plexiglas
Turns cloudy under UV radiation
5. Window glass separated by about 2" of air and filled with styrofoam beads
blown in at night
Increase heat loss during daylight hours when evacuated
EXPENSIVE, not even within reach for other than picture windows
High maintenance level
6. Multi-pane glass
marginal improvement, loss of solar benefit during day, coloration
and distortion
7. No Windows
Against the building codes
Any Suggestions would be greatly welcome. The winner gets a free copy of
the architectural detail drawing showing the method used (what more could
you ask for?)
Respond by electronic mail please.
:-{ Freezing Face
Dave Katz