How to Choose the RIGHT Windows for Your Home with Science

[@Steve8587]

Ok, I agree. Excellent information. Almost ready to subscribe. Ok, just did. Think you know my pet peeve, but liking what I see.

[@HomePerformance]

Don’t worry, we’ll never go ‘Shark Week’ on this channel- thanks for following buddy

[@cxsey8587]

Can you do a video on fire resistant home details? Especially with all the little things such as rain screening, soffits, stuff like that?

[@HomePerformance]

It’s already in the works my man, stay tuned

[@cxsey8587]

@@HomePerformance awesome !! Looking forward to it

[@CHDean]

Wood burns, plastic melts. That about it. Oh, always but insurance.

[@dosadoodle]

Are those energy numbers for Atlanta? If so, might be worth mentioning given the performance differences by climate zones.

[@HomePerformance]

Any modeling is based entirely on location, yes. Can’t teach 101 in every video unfortunately.

[@dosadoodle]

@@HomePerformance I think there's risk in no qualifier when highlighting such a low number using the extreme examples from a climate zone where a low number is expected. People frequently latch on to and recall examples and anecdotes, not methodologies. This video also highlights software without even saying what the name is the software is or where to get it or any info on where to learn how to use it, so it's not providing any path for people to learn about their own situation and so offers little value besides "this type of software exists". I would be surprised if a single viewer of this video is inspired to find, learn how to use (not trivial!), and then apply such software as a result of this video. Instead, I expect many people will see this video and think, "while it sounds like better windows aren't worth it". And that's sad, because... The video also ignores a major value of better windows: they increase comfort. It is rarely the purpose of saving money that drives people to make decisions when they build a more efficient home, otherwise most people would live in a tiny home with no windows, because that would be both efficient and economical. Instead we have people building massive homes with major inefficiencies, because that is what they think will offer them the greatest "value" (based on metrics, like square footage, that get lots of attention). By boiling it down to pure dollars, it ignores why many decisions about home building are actually made: it's to build a place where we experience life.

[@sepertude]

Look into Okna windows, amazing performance and quality..

[@HomePerformance]

Thx, will do

[@CHDean]

That would be Window King?

[@thewakersci]

Very interesting video! I have a question about the software you were using. What is the software called?

[@HomePerformance]

That’s REM/Design. As a HERS Rater, I was trained on REM/Rate, and /Design is the same, just without a rating score.

[@ericscott3997]

Long time watcher, sometimes commentator here.. You guys are part of the reason that I have been getting more interested in building science, and have enjoyed watching your posts. Since you are discussing windows here, may I inquire on why you went with casement style windows over, tilt/turn European style? My gut says cost, but everything that I've read/seen seems to point to the superiority and longevity of the tilt turn makes it a better investment. I have seen how great they perform in several Passive homes here in Minnesota, and would love to hear your feedback.

[@HomePerformance]

GREAT QUESTION. Real estate is my shortest #1 answer. Tilt/turns open IN, and I didn’t want my crazy kids pulling any shenanigans. Rather have a screen between them and the glass.

[@ericscott3997]

@@HomePerformance Seems about right, safety first. That said, "If" that wasn't the case, do you believe they are a worthwhile expenditure? (Hypothetically overall, not an endorsement of course)

[@HomePerformance]

I love them when I’ve used them in Europe. If I’m being honest, though, we NEVER open ANY of our windows except for maybe a few perfect days a year, because our indoor environment is so perfectly maintained. So functionality with opening is not really useful in any case.

[@tweake7175]

Just to make it interesting, from a recent 'discussion ' , another factor in windows is how people run the house. Downunder we are infamous for not heating enough. So it can be worthwhile to increase window spec more than what the energy savings suggest.

[@HomePerformance]

Interesting, T

[@tweake7175]

@@HomePerformance interesting, more like down right weird. the human factor side is an interesting and unpredictable element.

[@HomePerformance]

You said a mouthful there dude

[@tristanwegner]

I want to add, that single pane windows will feel less comfortable even when to heat/cool more to compensate, because of radiative heat of the big surfaces.

[@HomePerformance]

👍🏽

[@johnwhite2576]

Why not Run the obvious competitor double pane -U don’t need software to conclude single and quad panes make no sense in Atlanta of all places

[@HomePerformance]

That’s the whole point of this channel, John! You DO need software modeling, and testing, because everything is a system. The old rules of thumb for windows, insulation, build quality, HVAC sizing, and what improvements to make have been proven to be wrong.

[@strayobject]

Thank you for adding another voice of reason to my internal debate. I installed 3ple pane with argon in Scotland not long ago, it gave me 1.5-3 Deg Celsius over the old 2ble panes [measured on the glass, better on frame]. I'm now building a house in Spain and was about to overrule my architect who suggested 2ble panes with coatings over 3ple pane windows as cost wise they don't make sense.

[@frankgall6]

Corbet what are you using to do the energy model?.. is that the software you designed?..

[@frankgall6]

I saw the answer, and I actually did know that already lol 👍🏻

[@HomePerformance]

I’ll have a training on it very soon Frankie, will be free to Masterminds.

[@frankgall6]

Please keep me posted!!!

[@HomePerformance]

You know I will

[@jimmyphilip2340]

I like your content and the way it's all backed by science. But I also need recommendations on solutions.. products and prices. Can you not include those ?? "To achieve xxx efficiency, I would recommend this model of windows from this manufacturer". To the average Joe like me, it helps a lot to know what to look at as options. Once I have this info, it's up to me to choose long term savings over immediate cost. Another topic- we leave the bottom of the window unsealed... Wouldn't that cause air leakage ? How is that addressed?

[@HomePerformance]

Hey Jimmy- leave the window unsealed on the bottom edge on the OUTSIDE only. All the edges and corners are also made airtight to the framing on the inside too. :) And makers and models are too numerous to get into- that’s why we point out the specs you should aim for instead- U-value and SHGC (lower is better). If you’re not having someone like us do an energy model, just stick with a well-made wood, fiberglass, or uPVC window with U-0.3 and 0.3 SHGC- double pane, argon-filled, low-e coated.

[@dialac1]

Your videos are great but they are a bit too polished. Not really a critique but you may get more engagement if your videos were less polished, less scripted and more run and gun. You also didn’t tell us what software you were using for the energy expenditure model