Increasing Energy Efficiency with Proper Window Placement

If your home has old, drafty, and inefficient windows, then it’s cost-effective to get replacement vinyl windows in Indianapolis, IN. New windows will improve your home’s energy efficiency and make your interior more comfortable. They can eventually pay from themselves through lower cooling and heating costs.

BEE Window® gives these design tips for energy-efficient windows:

Energy-Efficient Window Design

The first thing you need to determine is what type of window will work best for your needs. It’s a good idea to study and understand the energy performance ratings of windows, so you can choose the right product for your home’s design and the area’s climate. With your window replacement, your goal is to select, orient, and size your window glass to maximize solar heat gain in winter and minimize it in summer. This can help reduce your utility system’s energy consumption and save you money.

Energy-Efficient Windows for Different Climates

Does your are experience a hot climate? As an expert in window installation in Indianapolis, IN, we recommend placing many windows south to collect solar heat during the winter. When the sun is high overhead in summer, use overhangs and shades to prevent excessive heat gain. Your south-facing windows need to have an SHGC that’s >0.6 to maximize solar heat gain in winter. They also need a high visible transmittance rating and a U-factor of 0.35 to reduce heat transfer.

For cooler climates, use north-facing windows and keep your south-facing windows shaded. We recommend going for windows with low SHGCs to reduce your cooling costs. For lower SHGC, we suggest choosing windows with the best low-E coatings available. Low-E, or low emissivity, coatings are microscopically thin metal layers that control heat transfer through the window. They can filter up to 70% of the heat transmitted through the insulated window glass.

To learn more ways on using your energy-efficient windows in Lafayette, Indiana, properly, then give us a call. BEE Window has over 25 years of experience in window, siding, roof, door, and gutter replacement. Our wide range of experience means we can recommend the best window design for your home. Call us at (800) 233-0169 to learn more about energy-efficient windows.