Emerging Technologies: R-5 Windows
Posted in Residential
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In many regions of the U.S., utility programs have helped successful market transformation toward ENERGY STAR windows. Now that ENERGY STAR windows have reached a large market share, the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program has begun working with utilities and other stakeholders to introduce customers to an even higher performance tier that has not yet widely spread in the market, but can save substantially more energy than business as usual. In cold and mixed climates, R-5 windows on average reduce window heat loss by 40% and overall space conditioning costs by 10% relative to common ENERGY STAR windows.
Promotion of R-5 windows through utility programs could include customer education about window selection criteria as well as incentives for installing R-5 windows in new construction and retrofits. Due to the initially small market share of R-5 windows, free ridership can be avoided and program expenditures focus on performance levels exceeding those promoted by other programs such as energy codes and tax credits. Incentives can be reduced once a solid foundation through greater market adoption and awareness of R-5 windows has been achieved.
