There are different things you need to know about before investing in new windows. That includes the energy performance of each unit, which is represented by numerous ratings such as the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and U-value. In this post, Renewal by Andersen® of Northwest Ohio discusses everything you need to know about them.
Defining SHGC And U-Value
The SHGC measures how much solar radiation comes through the window and into your home. It’s measured on a scale from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating more solar heat entering your home. U-Value, meanwhile, measures the window’s insulation level, or how quickly heat from inside your home is lost. It is represented by a value ranging from 0.20 to 1.20, where lower numbers represent better insulation and translates to heat being kept inside during winter.
The Impact of Different SHGC Levels
Having a high SHGC rating can be beneficial during the winter because solar heat helps warm up your home. This means you can use less energy to keep your home warm while reducing the costs associated with heating bills. It also keeps rooms noticeably warmer since natural sunlight is five times more efficient at warming your house than standard air conditioning and heating systems combined.
A lower SHGC rating makes windows much better at insulating homes during hot summers by repelling outside heat and helping stabilize indoor temperatures. This helps minimize discomfort due to extreme temperatures and makes your home energy-efficient.
The Impact of Different U-Value Levels
A higher U-Value rating lets more heat indoors because it doesn’t have sufficient insulation. However, it’s a sensible solution for homes situated in colder regions that want to maximize the sun’s heat during the day.
Most contractors recommend investing in windows with lower U-values. Homes in cold and warm regions would benefit from its temperature retention and energy-efficient advantages. Consider using Renewal by Andersen’s HeatLock™ and Low-E4® glass packages for exceptional energy efficiency and comfort indoors.
Ready to have your windows replaced? Count on Renewal by Andersen of Northwest Ohio to provide high-quality windows expertly installed by our team of certified professionals. Call us at (419) 931-6970, or fill out this contact form to get started.
