LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative

Are your windows adding to your electric usage?

In Southwest Florida, 30 percent of the summer cooling costs are attributed to glass and windows. Whether your windows are old or new, there are many ways to save that are inexpensive and fairly easy to do. Below are glass and window recommendations from LCEC’s energy experts:

• Significant air-conditioning savings can be attained by blocking solar heat before it reaches the windows, or by using special heat-reflecting glass or heat-reflecting glass coatings (residential window tint). You can tint your windows yourself or hire a professional.
• Reflective glass or reflective glass coatings should be rated to reflect at least 65 percent of all solar heat to be considered efficient in Southwest Florida.
• East or west windows are the main source of intrusive heat. It is recommended to use shading devices and tint on east and west windows since they experience many hours of direct sunlight.
• South-facing windows experience a great deal of direct sunlight in the winter months when the sun rides lower in the sky. In the summer, south-facing windows are largely shaded by the overhanging soffit of the roof.
• Awnings, storm shutters, shade trees and porch or lanai roofs are all very effective in blocking solar heat. To be 100 percent effective, the exterior shading device must never allow direct sunlight to touch the window’s surface.

For more energy-saving glass and window tips, visit lcec.net.