DOE OSTI2013
Laboratory and field studies sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) demonstrate that the use of low-emissivity (low-e) storm windows can lead to significant heating and cooling energy savings in homes. This report examines the market for low-e storm windows based on market data, case studies, and recent experience with weatherization deployment programs. It uses information from interviews conducted with DOE researchers and industry partners involved in case studies and early deployment efforts related to low-e storm windows. In addition, this study examines potential barriers to market acceptance, assesses the market and energy savings potential, and identifies opportunities to transform the market for low-e storm windows and overcome market adoption barriers. Based on laboratory testing, case studies, and climate-based modeled energy savings, the installation of low-e storm windows is estimated to reduce heating and cooling consumption by 12 to 33% in residential homes. Individual home savings would depend on the overall condition of existing windows and home as well as climate conditions. Based on these heating and cooling saving ranges, low-e storm windows have a technical potential energy savings – that is, the energy savings that would result if all low-performing windows were covered with low-e storm windows – ranging from 0.7 to 1.96 quadrillion Btus primary (source) energy. Of this technical potential, this study estimates that market adoption of low-e storm windows could reasonably achieve savings of 140 trillion Btus of primary energy annually by 2025, assuming DOE implements a number of market transformation activities directed toward low-e storm window market adoption. To assess the marketability and market adoption potential of low-e storm windows, this study examines and characterizes the benefits and costs of the technology, the size and characteristics of likely target markets, the potential pathways to reach these markets, possible market barriers, and the likelihood of overcoming these barriers. A number of promising market transformation pathways are identified including existing weatherization assistance programs, utility energy-efficiency incentive programs, federally sponsored energy efficiency retrofit programs, standards and rating organizations, and federal building energy-efficiency mandates and programs. By working with storm window manufacturers, installers, energy-efficiency consortiums, and the Federal Energy Management Program, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America program could implement a number of targeted outreach, education, and technical assistance programs to help effectively transform the market for low-e storm windows and have a measurable impact on reducing residential energy consumption over time.