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The Department of Energy launched a "volume purchase program" for efficient windows today. Now, most people aren't buying windows, efficient or not, in large-enough bulk to warrant the discounts they're talking about—but energy retrofit and weatherization providers are, which means the effect can trickle down pretty quickly.
It also means one less excuse for suppliers to not be selling the most insulating and energy-efficient windows around at affordable prices (relevant if you're, say, doing some home remodeling), and it's one more tool with which people can get involved if their office or school has any remodeling plans.
The program is meant to pair "manufacturers with buyers looking to purchase large volumes of windows and by setting performance expectations for two new types of energy efficient windows. This will provide support for window manufacturers to help overcome the initial costs associated with producing windows at an even higher efficiency level while connecting volume buyers with pre-cleared suppliers."
According to DOE, "R-5 Windows can reduce heat loss through the window by 30 to 40% compared to a typical R-3 window available today. In situations where full replacement is not an option, Low-e Storm Windows, which fit over existing windows, can be used to reduce heat loads by up to 20%."
Cost shouldn't be a prohibitive reason for people to make home or office efficiency improvements, and this makes one of the simplest but most effective steps a little more practical. To participate, check out the program's website.
Windows may not be the sexiest of green topics, but they're one of the most important in terms of reducing indoor energy consumption, so if any window replacements are in your future, be sure to know what you're getting first. Just sayin'.
