When it comes to making the home energy efficient, windows are a huge issue. After all, although they let in the light, they let in the light. What I mean to say is that on the one hand, we don’t have to burn every light in the house during the day, and on the other hand, they also let in heat. So they beg for energy-savings steps.

The question is, does it make more sense to replace the existing contractor grade windows with double or triple glazed argon-filled Energy Star windows (whew, that’s a mouthful!), or compromise budget and efficiency and install solar window film?

The Home Envelope

First, a bit of an overview to put it all in perspective. How efficient the home is depends on the entire home envelope. I love radiant barrier foil in the attic. It is more effective (in the big picture) in a one-story house than a two-story house. Why? Because with one floor, the roof is a larger percentage of the total envelope.

Conversely, on a two story, windows comprise a bigger envelope percentage than they do on a one story (Two stories = twice as many windows). What I’m trying to say here is that all renovation projects that lower utility bills are important, but each home’s priorities are different.

Let’s get this out of the way first - do your radiant barrier as a first line of defense. And do this job yourself. Labor charges double the price of the project and only the cost of the material is eligible for the stimulus package energy tax credit.

Now, Focus on Energy-Efficient Windows

Alright, how much money do you have left? In the real world, this determines what to do about the windows. Energy Star replacement windows are optimal, but boy, are they proud of them at the check-out counter. If you can afford them, go for it. Don’t forget to upgrade your homeowners insurance policy.

This is likely not a DIY project for most folks.

On the other hand, solar window film is a great DIY job, considering that you have patience. And it makes less of a mess than complete window replacement. It’s available in several shades, and if you’re after privacy, there’s a mirrored finish available.

As a further compromise, your remodeling budget might justify replacement windows on the side of the house that takes the sun’s hammer most violently, and apply film on the more docile sides.

So in answer to, “Window replacement or window film?,” the answer, like many things in life is, “It depends.” Don’t you love it when I’m ambivalent?

Green building practices are getting more publicity all the time, but there’s more happening that meets the eye. It’s like it is sneaking on stage. Wanting to stay current on the topic, I set up a Google alert on the phrase about a month ago.

Every day now I get an email listing links to articles on green building. Folks, this trend is gathering steam. For example, C&L Refrigeration is now building LEED certified storage facilities. C&L has clients like Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Golden State Foods and Miller Brewing Co.

Weyerhaeuser and Owens Corning are making inroads into sustainable residential building materials. I’m here to tell you that even this improved insulation still itches.

Titebond glue has released a complete line-up of green adhesives.

I’ve spent some time adding insulation and radiant barrier foil in my attic lately. It’s really affected the time available for running workouts, dang it! Both products are Energy Star rated so not only will I save on utility bills, I’ll claim a tax credit at the end of the year. Hey, take it while you can, right?

And what an investment. A report from Henley Business School reveals that LEED certified buildings can reap a rental income of up to 31% more than non-certified properties and that the more highly rated the properties are, the greater the rent. Gotta love it. Well, if you’re the landlord.

But it stands to reason that if things like solar panels are used, the renter still makes out like a bandit with respect to energy bills.

I think my next energy reduction project will be to install solar window film, even though it won’t qualify for a tax credit. Aluminum frames aren’t covered. The IRS has some goofy rules. Just one more thing president Nobama should take care of. But won’t.

The window in my living room looks out on the back yard. It’s a big window. Actually, it’s three butted up to each other. My issue is that it’s contractor grade, and so, not that bug on energy efficiency. So I would really like to replace it with something a bit beefier, say, krypton or argon-filled with a low-e coating.

The window frames make a big difference too - more than I thought. Mine are aluminum which is good for maintenance but bad for energy. Heat and cold goes right through it. High thermal conductance is what the energy gurus call it.

The problem? They’re too dang expensive. Quite the conundrum. Upgrading would save money through lower utility bills, but I don’t have the cash in pocket just now to do the deed. Perhaps I should ask Obama for a window bailout.

That might work. I should send up a trial balloon. Makes sense; if I use less energy, I make less of a carbon footprint. What a green point of view. Think he’d go for it? Nah. Sigh.

I could always go for some solar window film. A bit of research informed me that it hinders heat transference, both going out in the winter and coming in during the summer. Not too shabby.

It also minimizes UV rays, which must be a good thing or they never would have incorporated it into my contact lenses and sunglasses.

Sunglasses. Now, that’s an interesting topic. They’re not only functional, people also use them to make a fashion statement. For some reason only known to eyeball fashionistas, the current trend seems to be towards big frames. Big white frames. Windows to the world.

But I do not mock. I paid over $100 for mine (tortise shell, NOT white) but they’re well worth it. Yep, they’re made by Costa Del Mar and they’re just right for a day of kayak fishing out on the bay. Which is what I should be doing now.

I hope you found this post interesting. I invite to read more of my fascinating writing