![]() ![]() ![]() Like the u-factor, there are requirements for each geographic area of the US. ![]() R-Value: refers to how well the insulation, the space between the panes, of your window performs.Homeowners in cold climates should look for windows with a higher SHGC rating because that will provide more natural heat in the winter. Ratings range from 0-1, with 0 allowing little or no solar heat and 1 allowing maximum solar heat. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): measures how well your windows block (or in this case, allow) heat from the sun.In northern climates, windows must have a u-factor rating greater than or equal to 0.27. There are u-factor requirements for each geographic area in the US from north to south. Windows with a low U-factor are the most energy efficient. U-Factor: determines how good the window is at preventing heat loss.Here is what these mean and what to look for when you’re shopping for new windows: U-factor and SHGC are energy performance ratings that measure a variety of factors. In addition, choose windows with a very low U-factor and relatively high solar-gain coefficient (SHGC), particularly if you live in any of the cold climate, northern regions listed below. All of this results in superior insulation for year round comfort. It is a odorless, nonreactive gas that is extremely high density and low thermal conductivity. At Window World of Connecticut, we use argon. In winter, this allows sunlight in to help keep your home warm.ĭouble and triple pane windows can be insulated with argon or krypton, both of which are dense gasses, making them a better insulator than air. Low-E glass has been treated with a thin, metallic coating designed to filter certain types of light into your home. Instead, homeowners in cold climates should opt for double or triple pane windows made from low-E glass. These don’t hold in heat well enough for northern climates. When it comes to the window itself, avoid single pane windows. The best way to ensure this is completed correctly is by having your windows installed by trained professionals. It’s also important that the space around your windows are properly sealed and caulked. Since aluminum doesn’t hold heat very well, it’s the worst choice for cold climates. Whatever material you choose, skip the aluminum window frames. Vinyl and fiberglass frames are also great, but fiberglass can be more expensive than vinyl and wood. Wood with vinyl cladding is ideal since it will hold heat best and the vinyl will protect the wood. Although no window frame can ever be 100% airtight, there shouldn’t be a noticeable amount of cold air coming in.įor cold climates, you’ll want to choose windows that have wood, vinyl, fiberglass, or composite frames. All of these are areas where air can seep in or out, so it’s important to ensure your window frame is made of the right material and properly installed. And as you may be able to guess, the perimeter runs the entire edge of the window. Most of us are familiar with the window sill, the bottom part of the window. On double hung windows, there are two sashes that move. The sash is the portion of the window that fits inside the frame and moves up and down (or side to side). There are three parts of the frame that air usually escapes from: the sash, the sill, and the perimeter. The window frame is often where the most heat escapes, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good condition and made of the right material. Window Frames for Cold Climatesįirst, let’s talk about the frame. Both of these are important to consider when you’re looking for windows for cold weather climates. Windows have two main parts: the window itself and the frame. The more energy efficient your windows are, the more comfortable your home will be and the more money you’ll save each month. Since your heater has to work harder, your energy bills will be higher than they should be.īasically, energy efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to choosing windows for colder climates. This means your HVAC system has to work harder, making it difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Windows that aren’t equipped for cold climates can’t properly keep heat in and cold air out. When you live in a northern state, choosing the right windows for your home can make a huge difference in your home’s comfort level and your energy bills. Here’s what to look for and how to pick the best cold weather windows for your home. If you’re in a cold climate, choosing the right windows can make your home more comfortable and save you money on your energy bills every month. One aspect that is often overlooked are windows. There are a lot of things to consider when you’re buying, building, or renovating a home in a cold climate like Connecticut and the Northeast more broadly. ![]()
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