Windows can save energy

While some "experts" have been advising builders that the way to conserve energy in homes is to reduce the number and size of windows, the Federal Energy Administration contends that houses with large windows can actually be energy savers.

In a booklet "Energy Conservation With l,lindows, " prepared by the FEA with the assistance of the National Bureau of Standards, it states, "A window, unlike a wall, can transmit sunlight into a room, then trap its heat. In many instances this solar heat gain can exceed the window's total conductive heat loss for the day. Thus, the window can actually provide heat in the winter."

Windows in any building should be selected and positioned with energy benefits in mind. The FEA booklet points out that windows on the southern exposure of a house get the most sun, so the largest window areas should face south. Windows facing east and west enjoy the sun's rays only part of the day. The side of the house facing North gets little or no sun and should have the smallest window area.

Windows should be double-glazed and should reduce air infiltration to a minimum in order to achieve best fuel conservation results.

"Cold air leaking through cracks in a well-insulated house can account lor 3Wo of the load of the heating system. This figure can be reduced by as much as 50% by making windows and doors tighter," according to FEA.

Quality windows with double-pane insulating glass provide the same insulating benefits as tight-fitting storm sash over single-glazed windows.

Window manufacturers have developed new and more efficient weatherstripping systems. When applied in the factory under stringent quality control conditions, the new weatherstripping results in windows that will greatly reduce the amount of heat loss through air infiltration in comparison with loose-fitting windows, new or old.

New Sierra Pacific Offices

Sierra Pacific Industries has completed its move from Arcata to Redding, Ca., according to Sam Witzel, the general sales manager.

Under the new system, division sales managers are: Perry Adcox, Quincy; George Sharp, Redding; Paul Trueb, Hayfork; Bill Wessner and Forrest Orr, Susanville and Loyalton; with Witzel handling the Emmerson Division.

The new office is at the Redding sawmill in Central Valley, Ca., about four miles North of Redding. Sierra Pacific Industries markets Douglas fir, Ponderosa and sugar pine, white fir and incense cedar lumber.

Even after nearly 30 years, we're still growing to serve you better. Our expanded sales staff will soon have new off ices to help them respond faster and serve our customers better.

Our Number One Job ls serulng our customers. Not just talking about it, but doing it...through expansion of customer services and facilities. Our customers are our most valuable asset, they've made this business what it is and we're going to continue to go all out for them. You better believe it!

By R.V. PETERSEN executive secretary

A coNsrANT state of flux within Flour industry serves as a barometer of vitality and progress.

Contributing to the changing scene are new association members, new retail establishments. moves to new or expanded quarters, changes in ownership and management. New members welcomed to MBMDA recently are Suden's Lumber & Hardware. Stanford (Paul Suden); Econo Lumber Yards, Inc., Glasgow (Paul Tihista); Econo Lumber Yards, Inc., Jordan, (Bill Schmidt); Vestal Lumber, Rudyard (Ron Vestal); Empire Builders, Thompson Falls (Kim Roberts).