When selecting new windows for your home, understanding the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) is crucial. It is an energy performance rating that can significantly impact the overall energy efficiency of your home and, consequently, your heating and cooling costs. Let’s learn more about it in this post by top window and gutter guards contractor Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC.

More About Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

The SHGC measures how much solar radiation a window allows into a home. It ranges from zero (indicating no heat gain) to one (indicating all solar heat gained). This value is determined through standardized testing that replicates summer conditions.

A higher SHGC means the window allows more solar heat to get inside your home, which can be beneficial in colder climates to reduce heating costs. Conversely, a lower SHGC is better suited for warmer climates as it prevents excessive heat gain and reduces cooling costs.

How SHGC Impacts Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Windows with a high SHGC can help heat your home in the winter by letting in more of the sun’s warmth, reducing the need for artificial heating. On the other hand, in the summer, these windows can contribute to heat build-up, increasing cooling costs. The opposite is true for windows with a low SHGC. Observing each one’s effects based on the weather, any expert on windows and gutter covers would say that finding the right balance is crucial to optimizing your home’s energy efficiency.

Determining the Right SHGC Rating for Your Home

Our local climate plays a huge role in finding the right SHGC balance. In colder climates, windows with a higher SHGC can be advantageous, while warmer climates may benefit from windows with a lower SHGC.

The orientation of your windows also matters. Windows facing the sun, typically south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere, can tolerate a higher SHGC to capitalize on solar heat during winter. In contrast, windows that get a lot of sun in the summer, typically west-facing, could benefit from a lower SHGC to avoid overheating.

If you have questions or concerns about SHGC ratings in windows, or want to discuss your window replacement plans, the team at Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC can provide invaluable assistance in ensuring that the windows you choose are the perfect fit for your home and your needs. Call us at (815) 964-2220, or fill out this contact form to get an estimate. We also provide gutter protection services in Rockford, IL, and the surrounding areas.