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Windows
Open shades on south-facing windows during sunny winter days for solar heat gain. Close them at night to keep
heat in.
Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors.
Consider replacing single-pane windows with new, energy-efficient, double-paned windows. They reduce heat
loss through windows by 50 percent to 75 percent.
Shopping for new windows? Check the National Fenestration Rating Council rating or look for the Energy
Star logo. Check for help in choosing energy-efficient windows. If you own rental property, you may also qualify for a credit on your Oregon personal income tax when you purchase high-efficiency replacement windows, insulation and duct sealing.
Closing the drapes is a very good idea on sunlit windows. They eliminate uncomfortable glare as well as save on cooling energy. Using drapes keeps the window from needing a reflective window film and they can be opened when the sun is not shining on the windows.
Window tinting
A reflective window film should work like the tint on the top of an automotive windshield. Tints will make the view darker out of the window. One place for tints would be where drapes can't be installed or operated well like clerestories or skylights.
If you have single glass and a view that you don't want drapes to cover, consider upgrading to energy efficiency double glass with low reflective properties. If you have double glass already but it's without reflective properties, then a film might be cost effective. Talk to others who have installed the film to see how well it works and how dark the view is, before you consider installing it.
East- and west-facing windows are typically the highest solar heat gainers in the summer. South-facing windows see less of the high summer sun. West-facing windows can be higher heat gainers than the east because of the warmer afternoons. So having drapes or reflective windows on west-facing windows should be the highest priority to reduce air conditioning energy consumption and maintain the view in the summer.
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