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Replace Old Windows to Gain Energy Efficiency

When choosing a window, there are other factors to consider in your local area. Before you buy your replacement windows, take the time to figure out which type of window is appropriate in each location of your home. Use the following factors for selecting the most energy-efficient windows for your home:

• Orientation
• Heating and cooling system
• Your personal preferences and habits

Orientation and shading conditions

A window facing south collects more sun than a north facing window. So a south facing window during the winter wants high solar heat gain while just the opposite in the summer. So if you live in a warm climate, you want a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) window facing south, while in a colder climate you want a higher SHGC. So you might not want to get all the same SHGC ratings on all your windows and choose each window independently based on its orientation. For instance, a north facing window might not require the same high SHGC or low SHGC as south facing window.

Heating and cooling system

The insulation properties of your home change the requirements of the size of your heating system. A big part of a home?s insulation value is the windows. So if you are replacing the heating system at the same time as replacing windows, you might save money on heating bills and buying a smaller heating unit by spending extra money on higher energy efficient windows.

Personal preferences and habits

How you use your home plays a part in which windows you buy. Do you pull the shades when the summer sun is glaring in or do you crank up the AC? If you pull the shades, then a higher SHGC might be better for you. The shades will block the extra heat from sun during the summer. And the higher SHGC will help heat the house in the winter by letting in more sun. These points are very important in your local area so be sure to schedule a free in-home consultation with a contractor.