Evaluation of Residential Window Retrofit Solutions for Energy Efficiency
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PHRC Research Series Report No. 111 The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center Evaluation of Residential Window Retrofit Solutions for Energy Efficiency 219 Sackett Building University Park, PA 16802 University Park, PA 16802 Telephone: (814) 865-2341 Facsimile: (814) 863-7304 E-mail: [email protected] December 2013 Copyright © The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center, Penn State University ISBN: 978-1-62307-002-1 Disclaimer: The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center (PHRC) exists to be of service to the housing community, especially in Pennsylvania. The PHRC conducts technical projects—research, development, demonstration, and technology transfer—under the sponsorship and with the support of numerous agencies, associations, companies and individuals. Neither the PHRC, nor any of its sponsors, makes any warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or validity of the information contained in this report. Similarly, neither the PHRC, nor its sponsors, assumes any liability for the use of the information and procedures provided in this report. Opinions, when expressed, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of either the PHRC or anyone of its sponsors. It would be appreciated, however, if any errors, of fact or interpretation or otherwise, could be promptly brought to our attention. If additional information is required, please contact: Katie Blansett Ali Memari Associate Director Director of Research PHRC PHRC PHRC Research Series Report No. 111 The Pennsylvania Housing Research Center Evaluation of Residential Window Retrofit Solutions for Energy Efficiency By: Tim Ariosto Ali M. Memari 219 Sackett Building University Park, PA 16802 University Park, PA 16802 Telephone: (814) 865-2341 Facsimile: (814) 863-7304 E-mail: [email protected] December 2013 Evaluation of Residential Window Retrofit Solutions for Energy Efficiency Preface This report presents a review of several different approaches to enhance energy efficiency through windows. The most widely known method of reducing energy loss through windows is to replace inefficient single glazed window units with their newer, energy efficient counterparts. However, there are also other methods that involve retrofit solutions, including the use of curtains, drapes, blinds, screens, and shutters. While these products are often selected for aesthetic or privacy concerns, they can also provide an effective means of limiting heat transfer. This report describes the performance criteria such as reduction in heat conductance, solar heat gain, daylighting, thermal comfort, condensation potential, air leakage, cost, ease of operation, privacy, and aesthetics for each retrofit solution. Window retrofit attributes are evaluated based on data and information available in the open literature and those provided by product manufacturers as well as using the software such as WINDOW and THERM. The study outlines some guidelines for selection of retrofit options and for better understanding of different solutions with respect to heat loss prevention and other attributes. Acknowledgements This research was supported by PHRC, and the support is gratefully acknowledged. The opinions expressed in the report are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the Pennsylvania Housing Research Center. i Table of Contents Preface .............................................................................................................................................. i Acknowledgements............................................................................................................................ i Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................... ii Table of Figures ................................................................................................................................ iv 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................1 2. Background on Window Performance ..........................................................................................4 2.1 Window Styles .............................................................................................................................. 4 2.2 Glazing Performance Characteristics ............................................................................................ 7 2.3 Transparent Insulating Materials.................................................................................................. 8 2.4 Control of Solar Heat Gain .......................................................................................................... 10 2.4.1 Background on Solar Spectrum ....................................................................................... 10 2.4.2 Controlling Heat Transmission in Glazing ........................................................................ 11 2.5 Window Frame Performance Characteristics ............................................................................. 15 2.5.1 Frame Materials ............................................................................................................. 15 2.5.2 Frame Configurations .................................................................................................... 17 2.6 Spacer Performance Characteristics ........................................................................................... 18 2.7 Energy Balance through Fenestration ........................................................................................ 20 2.7.1 Background on LBNL WINDOW Analysis ......................................................................... 23 3. Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 25 3.1 Criteria for Comparing Window Attachments ............................................................................ 26 3.1.1 Thermal Improvement ................................................................................................... 26 3.1.2 Impact on Daylighting .................................................................................................... 27 3.1.3 Thermal Comfort ........................................................................................................... 27 3.1.4 Condensation Potential ................................................................................................. 29 3.1.5 Air Leakage .................................................................................................................... 31 3.1.6 Cost ................................................................................................................................ 32 3.1.7 Ease of Operation .......................................................................................................... 33 3.1.8 Privacy............................................................................................................................ 33 3.1.9 Aesthetics ...................................................................................................................... 33 3.2 Modeling of Window Retrofit Characteristics ............................................................................ 35 4. Venetian Blind Style Attachments .............................................................................................. 37 4.1 Operable Shutters ....................................................................................................................... 37 4.2 Venetian Blinds ........................................................................................................................... 44 4.3 Interior Shutters ......................................................................................................................... 46 4.4 Background on Venetian Blind Performance ............................................................................. 49 4.5 Venetian Blind Analysis............................................................................................................... 56 4.6 Venetian Blind Analysis Summary .............................................................................................. 69 5. Fabric Shade Style Attachments ................................................................................................. 70 5.1 Interior Curtains and Draperies .................................................................................................. 70 5.2 Interior “Roller” Shades .............................................................................................................. 74 ii 5.3 Fabric Shade Analysis.................................................................................................................. 77 5.4 Fabric Shade Summary ............................................................................................................... 84 6. Glazing Layer Style Attachments ................................................................................................. 85 6.1 Exterior Storm Windows............................................................................................................. 85 6.2 Exterior Plastic Wrap on Insect Screens. .................................................................................... 89 6.3 Plastic Wrap around Window Frame .........................................................................................