How to Choose the Right Energy Efficient Windows
Wrapping your windows in plastic to keep from freezing in the winter? Constantly having to pull the shades in the summer to keep from baking in the sun? It’s time for new windows that will make your home more comfortable and more energy efficient. Learn how to choose the right energy efficient windows in this video by Marvin Windows and Doors:
Finding the right windows can be tough with all the technical information out there. Learning the basics will help you choose the perfect windows while also boosting your home’s energy efficiency and comfort level.
Every window has a label that summarizes its overall energy performance. It shows two primary ratings – U factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).
U factor measures how well a window keeps heat inside your home; the lower the number, the more a window resists heat loss. If you live in a cold weather climate zone, you’re going to want a low U factor.
SHGC measures how well your window keeps the heat out; the lower the number, the less heat a window lets in. In warm climates, lower ratings mean you’ll be keeping your home cool and comfortable, but in colder climates, higher ratings might be a good thing, alowing more sum to warm your home.
Another factor affecting comfort, air leakage may also be measured. Air leakage has to do with ensuring your windows are sealed tight so that the air doesn’t escape, but remember that for a window to be airtight, it must first be well constructed and properly installed, including quality weather stripping for an extra-tight seal and added efficiency.
Energy efficiency also has a lot to do with your window’s anatomy, particularly the glass. Most windows feature two panes of glass, sometimes three. Inside those panes there may be more than just air – harmless gases like argon are often used to improve thermal performance. “Insulating glass” means two pieces of glass have been spaced apart and sealed to form a single unit.
The glass might also include an application of special metallic coatings called low emissivity or low-e coatings that reduce unwanted heat transfer in and out of your home. Low-e 1 means there is a single layer of metallic coating. Low-e 2 refers to a double layer and low-e 3 indicates three coatings.
With this information, you’re practically an expert on window performance, but remember that the best thing to do (as always) is to talk to a professional to find the ideal fit for your home or project.
