Enjoy the View Without the Drafts: Air-sealing with Storm Windows

Everyone loves windows!  Windows provide us with daylight and outdoor views and are often positively associated with improved cognitive performance and well-being.  Unfortunately, these connections to the outdoors often serves as a primary source of air leaks, bringing in pollutants, wasting energy, and causing uncomfortable drafts.  U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that the installation of modern storm windows over existing windows can provide single-family and multi-family homes with a cost-effective, easy-to-install weatherization measure that improves air sealing, thermal insulation, occupant comfort, and envelope resilience.  Field studies in single- and multi-family homes have demonstrated reductions in whole home air infiltration greater than 10-30% just from the installation of storm windows.  Despite this fact, the air-sealing capabilities of modern storm windows are often not recognized and valued in weatherization programs.  In this presentation, we will review field and case studies demonstrating the air-sealing capabilities of a comprehensive storm window retrofit using modern energy-rated storm windows that are available in fixed and operable styles and multiple colors that coordinate with modern window trims.  These windows also are available with low-emissivity (low-e) coatings and stay in place year-round for ongoing, draft-free heating and cooling savings.