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Questions and Answers
What is the benefit of replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows in warm climates?
What is the benefit of replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows in warm climates?
What is the purpose of installing white window shades, drapes, or blinds in warm climates?
What is the purpose of installing white window shades, drapes, or blinds in warm climates?
What type of coatings should windows have in colder climates to reduce heat loss?
What type of coatings should windows have in colder climates to reduce heat loss?
What is the benefit of closing curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day in warm climates?
What is the benefit of closing curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day in warm climates?
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What is the purpose of installing awnings on south- and west-facing windows in warm climates?
What is the purpose of installing awnings on south- and west-facing windows in warm climates?
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What is the benefit of installing solar control films on south-facing windows in warm climates?
What is the benefit of installing solar control films on south-facing windows in warm climates?
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What is the benefit of installing exterior or interior storm windows in warm climates?
What is the benefit of installing exterior or interior storm windows in warm climates?
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Which organization provides information on energy-efficient windows?
Which organization provides information on energy-efficient windows?
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Who supported the development and distribution of this Best Practices report?
Who supported the development and distribution of this Best Practices report?
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What is the purpose of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and the Foundation for Community Association Research?
What is the purpose of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and the Foundation for Community Association Research?
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What year was the copyright for this report issued?
What year was the copyright for this report issued?
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What is the condition for reproducing the Best Practices Reports?
What is the condition for reproducing the Best Practices Reports?
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What is the purpose of the Declaration of Principles?
What is the purpose of the Declaration of Principles?
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What percentage of energy dollars can be saved by reducing air leaks in a home?
What percentage of energy dollars can be saved by reducing air leaks in a home?
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What is the main reason to caulk, seal, and weather-strip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside?
What is the main reason to caulk, seal, and weather-strip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside?
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Where do about one-third of air leaks in a home occur?
Where do about one-third of air leaks in a home occur?
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What percentage of a typical utility bill is attributed to heating and cooling?
What percentage of a typical utility bill is attributed to heating and cooling?
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What is the environmental impact of heating and cooling systems?
What is the environmental impact of heating and cooling systems?
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Which of the following is NOT a common area of air leakage in a home?
Which of the following is NOT a common area of air leakage in a home?
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What can be done to reduce air leaks in a home?
What can be done to reduce air leaks in a home?
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What is the main goal of the Building America Program?
What is the main goal of the Building America Program?
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What is the approach used by the Building America Program to design and construct houses?
What is the approach used by the Building America Program to design and construct houses?
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What is one of the benefits of the Building America Program for homebuilders?
What is one of the benefits of the Building America Program for homebuilders?
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What is another goal of the Building America Program?
What is another goal of the Building America Program?
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How can homebuilders benefit from the Building America Program?
How can homebuilders benefit from the Building America Program?
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Who are the teams formed by the Building America Program comprised of?
Who are the teams formed by the Building America Program comprised of?
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What is another benefit of the Building America Program for homeowners?
What is another benefit of the Building America Program for homeowners?
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Study Notes
Energy Efficiency Best Practices
- Energy efficiency is crucial, as air leakage can waste a substantial amount of energy dollars.
- Caulking, sealing, and weather-stripping seams, cracks, and openings can reduce energy bills by 10% or more.
- Common areas of air leakage include dropped ceilings, recessed lighting, attic entrances, electric wires and boxes, plumbing utilities, water and furnace flues, ducts, door sashes and frames, chimneys, warm air registers, window sashes and frames, baseboards, coves, and interior trim.
Heating and Cooling
- Heating and cooling account for 44% of a typical utility bill, and have a negative impact on the environment.
- Windows can cause air conditioners to work two to three times harder, making it essential to consider replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows with high-performance glass.
- In colder climates, windows with low-e coatings can reduce heat loss, while spectrally-selective coatings can reduce heat gain in warmer climates.
- Installing white window shades, drapes, or blinds can reflect heat away from the house.
Building Green
- The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Program aims to reengineer the American home for energy efficiency and affordability.
- The program works with the residential building industry to develop and promote efficient building processes and technologies that save millions of dollars in construction and energy costs.
- Building America helps homebuilders lower energy bills, reduce callbacks and claims, and offer more options for the same price through cost-saving system trade-offs.
Case Study: Heron's Cove Condominium
- Heron's Cove Condominium is a 406-unit condominium association in Montgomery Village, Maryland, that has taken steps to conserve energy.
- The association participated in Pepco's energy-saving program, replacing lights with energy-saving bulbs, and retrofitting common areas with low-energy lighting.
- The association encourages owners to consider window and exterior door replacements to help contain heating costs.
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Description
Learn how to reduce energy bills by identifying and addressing common areas of air leakage in homes and buildings. Discover the importance of caulking, sealing, and weather-stripping to achieve energy efficiency.
