Save Energy -- and money -- by treating your windows!
Windows can be one of your home's most attractive features. Unfortunately, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill. During the summer, your air conditioner must work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows. Use curtains and shade to give your air conditioner and energy bill a break. If you live in the Sun Belt, look into new solar control spectrally selective windows, which can cut the cooling load by 10% to 15%!

If your home has single-pane windows, as almost half of U.S. homes do, consider replacing them. In warmer climates, select windows with spectrally selective coatings to reduce heat gain. If you are building a new home, you can offset some of the cost of installing more efficient windows because doing so allows you to buy smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment. Use a company that uses Energy Star products, like FAS Windows & Doors!

If you decide not to replace your windows, the simpler, less costly measures listed below can improve their performance.

Warm-Climate Window Tips

• Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.
• Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
• Install awnings on south- and west-facing windows.
• Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar gain.
• $ Long-Term Savings Tip: Installing new, high-performance windows will improve your home's energy performance. While it may take many years for new windows to pay off in energy savings, the benefits of added comfort and improved aesthetics and functionality may make the investment worth it to you. Today, many new window technologies are available that are worth considering. Glazing materials (the glass part of the window) now come with a variety of selective coatings and other features; frames are available in aluminum, wood, vinyl, fiber glass, or combinations of these materials. Each type of glazing material and frame has advantages and disadvantages.
  --Get more tips!

  Shopping Tips for Windows
  

• When you're shopping for new windows, look for the National Fenestration Rating Council label; it means the window's performance is certified.
• Select windows with air leakage ratings of 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less.
• Remember that new windows must be installed correctly to avoid air leaks around the frame. Look for a reputable, qualified installer.