Development of designer aids for energy efficient residential window retrofit solutions

Abstract

To reduce energy loss through windows, owners can replace windows with newer, energy efficient counterparts or provide retrofit solutions. While installing new windows might seem like the obvious solution, often financial limitations by homeowners limits this option. Viable retrofit solutions are available as an alternative to window replacement and include the use of curtains, drapes, blinds, films, screens, and shutters, each of which has multiple types and configurations. This paper introduces various retrofit options and describes the performance criteria, different features, and primary multi-disciplinary characteristics the identified many potential retrofit solutions homeowners might choose. The study presented outlines guidelines for selection of retrofit options in an effort to better understand different solutions with respect to heat loss prevention and other attributes. Part of this study identified a number of window retrofit solutions that led to the development of easy to use design aids in an effort to help designers/homeowners more easily select an appropriate retrofit option. Here we give an indication of the expected improvements these retrofit solutions offer, as well as any potential risks that may be involved as part of the design aids.