Windows

The only thing windows are really good for is to see through. One might, with variable outside shutters, be able to use their greenhouse effect to help heat the house during some months of the year. In any case, we insist on having windows. So the smart thing to do is to minimize their bad effects.

In Fairbanks, it is absolutely necessary to use at least two panes of glass to cut down wintertime heat loss through conduction. Considering current and future fuel costs, it is cheapest to install 3 or 4 panes of glass in every window. To be most effective, the panes should be at least 3/4 inch apart so as to cut conductive heat losses. The inner pane should be tightly sealed; the outer panes should permit some air passage so that any water vapor can get out.

Since even a 4-pane window conducts much more heat than a well insulated wall, it is becoming economical to shutter the window in winter whenever one does not wish to look out. Inside curtains or shutters are inadequate; they will not prevent ice buildup in winter or excessive room heating caused by summer's sunlight.

If you are concerned about high fuel costs or are building a new house, consider building shutters on the outsides of your windows.