During the fuel shortages in World War II, there was a demand for increased insulation and some consideration given to passive solar design. But low oil prices following that war and the development of central heating and cooling systems curtailed the development of energy-efficient designs and led to increased reliance on mechanical systems to create home comfort.
During the OPEC oil embargo of the 1970s, energy efficiency became a national priority. Levels of insulation increased, and double-glazed windows became standard in colder climates. As a result of the oil crisis, there was a push to develop new energy-efficient technologies. Once wall insulation had improved and the building envelope air-sealed, losses due to windows, equipment inefficiency, and system design became more critical. New window technology featured low-E coatings and insulating gases between the two panes. These windows have became increasingly popular since the mid-1980s. Concurrent improvements in heating and cooling equipment included condensing furnaces and water heaters, heat pumps, and dramatic increases in air-conditioner efficiency.
Energy efficiency experienced some important setbacks in the mid-to late 1980s due to a number of prominent technology failures.
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