Selecting the Ideal Windows for a High Performance Home in a Cold Climate

As part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building America (BA) Program research for developing and implementing zero energy homes on a widespread basis, IBACOS has undertaken the task of identifying windows with appropriate performance characteristics for this level of energy efficient construction. While there are a growing number of window options available that meets either the energy savings or the pricing needs for this type of construction, finding a window with a combination of the right thermal properties and the right price is more difficult. This research focused on the process of identifying the best performing windows in a cold climate zone with specific consideration to their constructability, cost, and thermal performance. This paper reports on the favorite windows that emerged from the research and why they were chosen.