Proper usage and placement of windows can increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs to heat and cool your home. When placed properly, windows can help use the sun's energy for the heating and cooling of your home. This is called passive solar design.  Passive solar design is simple, low cost, has few moving parts, requires minimal maintenance and no mechanical systems.  If you are building or renovating your home, the following are some general rules of thumb for passive solar design:

  1.   Keep the longest side of home with the most amount windows facing the north.  Windows and doors placed on the east or west can waste twice as much energy as those placed to the north or south.  Also, keep the north side of the home clear of large trees or any obstructions, which could prevent the warm winter sunshine from entering the home and interfere with your home gaining solar heat.

  2.  Garages and least used rooms are in the best position on the west side of the home; this helps to block your larger rooms from the sun. By keeping your windows on the west side of your home small or limited this will avoid unnecessary overheating during the warm summer months.

3.    Windows located on the east and south side of your home should be smaller in size which helps prevent heat loss during winter on the south side and prevents the morning sun from overheating your home on the east side.

4.     Be sure to provide shade on the east and west sides of your home. You can accomplish this by adding eaves, overhangs, shutters, pergolas and large trees to the exterior of your home.  This will prevent your home from overheating in the summer months.

5.     The total glassed window area should equal only 15 to 20 percent or less of the total floor area of the home for optimal energy savings.

6.     If a room can have windows one only one side, use two widely spaced windows instead of one as this will allow for better ventilation as illustrated in the picture below.                

Passive solar design is a great option for energy saving if you are building your home from the ground up or adding new rooms.   Windows can still be used to your advantage if they are already in place too.  As mentioned before shading of windows is a great way to cut down on air conditioning and heater usage.  Here are some tips regarding your windows based on your climate.

Cold Climate Window Tips

• Repair and weatherize your current storm windows, if necessary
• Install tight-fitting, insulating window shades to reduce drafts
• Close your curtains and shades at night, open them during the day
• Keep windows on the south side of your house clean to maximize solar gain

Warm Climate Window Tips

• Install white window shades, drapes or blinds to reflect heat away from the house
• Close curtains on the south and west facing windows
• Install awnings on south and west facing windows
• Apply sun-control and other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar gain

An inexpensive and do-it yourself way to improve your windows' energy efficiency is to apply an insulating window film.  A low emittance, or low e, window film is a year-round solution for energy savings.  The film and lower solar heat gain in the summer by as much as 72% and insulate up to 55% of household heat during the winter.  The film is clear and won't affect the aesthetics of your home.  To see just how easy it is to apply the film yourself, visit this site for a step-by-step guide on window film installation.  If you're willing to spend a bit more money, there are numerous choices for more energy efficient windows that replace your old, single-pane windows. Visit this site to learn more about energy efficient windows and what type is right for your home.

Windows don't have to be a drain on your heating and cooling bill.  By following some of the easy tips on passive solar design or following some helpful hints on making your windows more efficient, you can enjoy all the beautiful weather, without excessively using energy to run your heaters or air conditioners.