WRITING A PRODUCT REVIEW

(Agency, 2012)

Sustainable building in South Africa:

In the following review, the Energy Star qualified window is going to be discussed as well as all its energy and money saving aspects for example: the sealing of the windows, light penetration through the windows, reduced electricity bills etc.

Sealing your home’s windows:

Your windows might be letting too much air into your home.  Hidden gaps in your home can let as much air into your home as an open window, thus forcing your heating system to automatically work harder than it normally would.  Sealing your home’s windows is a very cost – effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort inside your home.  Windows that are leaky are normally the reason why your heating systems have to work harder, because cold air can penetrate through or warm air can be lost.

In order for a product to be Energy Star qualified, the product must be tested in a laboratory that is recognized by the EPA. (Agency, 2012).

This product can be very helpful during the summer and winter time.

During the summer:

In the summer your electricity bills are also high because your home gets so warm from all the light that penetrates through your windows, thus making your cooling system work harder again.  By replacing your home’s windows with Energy Star qualified windows, one can have a 7 – 15 percent decrease on your monthly electricity bills. 

 Lower energy consumption also reduces greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and shrinks a house's carbon footprint. (Agency, 2012)

By using Energy Star windows, one can enjoy your view with comfort and by saving money on utility bills.  These windows also protect furnishing, paintings and finishes from sun damage.  The windows have a (low E) coating that reduces fading for up to 75 percent.  (Agency, 2012)   Energy Star windows have been independently tested for superior energy performance.  Advanced technologies are featured through these windows for example:

·        Invisible glass coatings

·        Vacuum sealed spaces (filled with inert gas between the panes)

·        Improved framing materials

·        Better weather stripping (Agency, 2012)

All of which help reduce undesirable heat gain and loss. (Agency, 2012)

Does your windows get a bit frozen up? Do you struggle to enjoy your winter view?

Well, Energy Star windows reduces condensation.  Insufficient windows can get very cold and water can freeze or build up in the interior side of the windows.  This can lead to chronic condensation that can cause the damage of window sills, mold growth and paint cracking.  All the advanced technologies that the Energy Star window consists of, enables the interior of the windows to stay clear  so that you can enjoy your winter morning view.

There is one negative aspect about this product, and that is the price.  The original price to put in the product is a bit expensive, but in the long run you will easily make up for that expense.  There is a delivery price involved.  One can also seal your current windows, walls etc.  Energy Star qualified windows is just a better option and a better investment, in terms of saving money and longevity.

I strongly recommend that our company buys this product because it will help reduce greenhouse gas from the source, while saving us money at the same time.

(Doors, n.d.)

Bibliography

Agency, U. S. E. P., 2012. Energy Star. [Online]
Available at: http://www.energystar.gov

Agency, U. S. E. P., n.d. Energy Star. [Online]
Available at: http://www.energystar.gov

Anon., n.d. Pauls Windows. [Online]
Available at: http://www.paulswindows.com

Doors, V. W. A., n.d. Vinyl Windows And Doors. [Online]
Available at: http://www.paulswindows.com
[Accessed 2014].

Niel Kamffer

Cole Williams

Miguel De Freitas Correia

Jarryd Naidoo