Energy Saving Windows By Greg Jordan    Many older homes in the Wimberley area were built as weekend getaways and as a result the components sometimes used were not state of the art. In my continuing series about weatherizing your home I will talk about the role that windows play when it comes to an energy efficient house.    Window technology has changed considerably over the past twenty years. Years ago, the cost of energy in Texas was cheap, back in the old days there was no wall, and in some cases, ceiling insulation. Most windows were aluminum frame windows with only a single pane of glass. Many of these windows still exist in houses today. There are many problems associated with older windows. The aluminum frames have a tendency to leak air. If your window has a single pane of glass, the inside of the window will collect condensation when it is cold outside and warm inside. The same is true when it is humid outside and your air conditioner is running. This can create negative problems, one of which is condensation can accumulate on the window, drip onto your window sill, rotting the wood and creating mold and mildew problems in your house. In most cases this kind of damage is not covered in your homeowners insurance. This problem can be eliminated by installing new, more energy efficient windows. The standard window in the building industry today incorporates double pane glass. This is a window unit that has two pieces of glass that is sandwiched together with a spacer in the middle. Double pane glass will eliminate condensation described above. Most double pane windows also provide a low-E coating on the window that helps too reduce UV sunlight infiltration. Double pane windows are much more energy efficient than the older, single pane configuration. There are many different pricing options available from the less expensive, double pane aluminum windows to the top of the line vinyl clad casement models that have stainable wood on the inside.    Upgrading to double pane windows can go a long way to making your house energy efficient and a qualified, licensed building contractor can help guide you through the different price categories and options available to you. Next month we will discuss properly insulating your house Greg Jordan is the owner of Omountain Homes and has been building & remodeling homes since 1986. He does projects throughout central Texas. Omountain Homes can be reached by calling 557-4790 or you can visit them on the world wide web at www.OMountain.com. Close this window