Your Old Windows May Cost You More Than You Think

The weather is finally starting to warm up. 

Right now, the warmth feels pretty good, but soon that heat will be stifling, and you’ll be switching on the A.C.  Did you realize, windows can leak heat into or out of your home?  That can mean bigger fuel bills both summer and winter. There are different ways to measure that heat loss (or gain). Energy.gov, home of the voluntary EnergyStar rating program, explains the three methods of heat transfer: Heat radiation, direct heat conduction, or by air leakage.  The way to measure these include the following multiple rating factors:

1. U-Factor. Heat Gain and Loss is measured by something called the U-factor, (sometimes called U-value) which only applies only to panes of glass.  The lower the U-factor, the better performance of that windowpane.  In cooler climates, a good U-factor for your windows is between 0.17 and 0.39. Why it matters: Even well maintained windows, if older, may not have the U-factor (measure of heat transfer through glass) that new multi-pane, treated glass windows from AllProExteriors can provide.
2. SHGC, or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: the fraction of solar radiation admitted through a window, door or skylight through direct transmission or absorption and released in a home as heat. The lower the SHGC, the more effective at blocking heat gain from the sun.  Why it matters: Todays replacement windows and replacement doors are made to allow daylight through without the sun’s rays overheating the home.  Even when a window is multipaned, it may allow direct sunlight to heat the home.  When you overlook this issue, you could be raising your energy usage along with your energy bills.
3. cfm/ft2: Air Leakage, or the rate of air movement around a window, door or skylight in the presence of a specific pressure difference across it, is measured in cfm/ft2.  A low air leakage rating on your windows means less drafts around the windows.  Why it matters:  Proper installation makes the difference in the cfm/ft2 measurement, but the EnergyStar replacement window ratings are based on the assumption that the window will be properly installed.  All Pro Xteriors have been installing replacement windows for decades and know how to ensure proper installation.  At All Pro Xteriors, we inspect our work before we consider a job done. 
4. Sunlight transmittance: The ability of glazing in a window, door, or skylight to transmit sunlight into a home can be measured and rated. There are two measurement for Sunlight transmittance:  1). Visible transmittance(VT) is a fraction of the visible spectrum of sunlight and 2). light to solar gain (LSG) is the ratio between the SHGC and VT.  In English,  Sunlight transmittance is a measurement of the different glass or glazing types’ ability to allow daylight in, while blocking heat gains.  Why it matters: All Pro Xteriors is driven to provide energy efficient windows that make sense for our customers.  Windows with a high SHGC rating collect more solar heat during the winter helping keep the home warm.  Windows with a low SHGC rating block the heat gain during the summer.  Visit AllProXteriorsInc.com today or call us at (952)486-7834 to find out which kind of windows would be best for your home. 

Not sure if you need new windows?  All Pro Xteriors offers free home inspections for your windows, siding, gutter and roofing needs.  There is no obligation, and we can deliver the report to you electronically, with pictures, to help you make an informed decision of any work you may need.  All Pro Xteriors has been here for you for over 20 years, and we are proud of our reputation for honest quotes, reliable crew and great customer service.  Visit our site or call us today.