Replacing the windows in your Rockford, IL, home is an important investment that can affect both energy efficiency and comfort levels. Knowing which windows are right for your needs requires understanding Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings, R-values and U-factors. A window’s SHGC rating is especially important because it affects how much solar radiation enters the home, which can impact energy efficiency and comfort levels.
What Is SHGC?
SHGC is a measure of how much solar radiation enters your home through the window. It’s represented by a number between 0 and 1, with 0 meaning that no solar energy passes through the window, and 1 meaning all of it does. The amount of heat gain or loss a window can provide depends on its SHGC rating. Windows with higher SHGC ratings allow more solar energy (and heat) to enter the home, while those with lower SHGC ratings block out more solar radiation.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much solar radiation passes through the window and is represented by a number between 0 and 1. The Department of Energy (DOE) has established a classification system to determine the recommended performance levels for windows based on a home’s R-value, U-factor and SHCG rating.
In general, cooler climates, like Rockford, IL, should look for windows with higher SHCG ratings to allow more sunlight in during winter months to help offset heating costs, while warmer climates should seek windows with lower ratings to keep homes cooler in summer months and reduce air conditioning costs.
R-Value
R-value is a measure of how much insulation a window has and is the measure most commonly used by window manufacturers. The higher the R-value, the better insulated it is.
U-Factor
U-factor is a measure of how well the window resists heat loss and is determined by dividing the rate of heat loss or gain by the difference in indoor and outdoor air temperatures. The lower the U-factor, the better it performs in this regard. In general, windows with low U-factors are more energy efficient because they lose less heat.
What Is a Good SHGC Rating for Windows?
A good SHGC rating for your windows will depend on where you live. In the Rockford, IL area, the recommended SHGC rating is about 0.30 or lower in the summer and 0.45 or higher in the winter to ensure energy efficiency and comfort levels are maximized.
Types of Windows
There are a variety of window types that can have different SHCG ratings including double-paned windows, single-pane windows, casement windows and more. Double-paned windows tend to be the most energy efficient because they typically have two layers of glass instead of one which helps insulate better than single-pane windows.
Heat Gain and Loss
The amount of heat gain or loss a window can provide depends on its SHGC rating. Windows with higher SHGC ratings allow more solar energy to enter the home, while those with lower SHCG ratings block out more solar radiation and help keep your house cooler in the summertime. This reduces cooling costs and increases overall energy efficiency.
Location
The location of your home will also affect the SHCG rating you should choose because some locations tend to absorb more solar radiation than others. For example, windows facing south tend to absorb more solar radiation than those facing north, so they may require a lower SHCG rating. Additionally, homes in cooler climates may benefit from having windows with higher SHCG ratings to allow more sunlight in during winter months to help offset heating costs.
Why Is SHGC Important?
A window’s Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rating is important because it affects how much solar radiation enters the home which can impact both energy efficiency and comfort levels.
Energy Efficiency
A window’s SHGC rating affects how much solar radiation enters the home, which can impact energy efficiency. Windows with lower SHGC ratings block out more solar radiation and help keep your house cooler in the summertime. This reduces cooling costs and increases overall energy efficiency. If you live in a climate that is hotter in the summer and cooler in the winter, it may be beneficial to have windows with different SHCG ratings for different seasons, like lower for summer to keep your home cool and higher for winter to let in sunlight and offset heating costs.
Comfort
A window’s Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rating can also affect comfort levels in your home because it determines how much solar radiation — or heat — passes through the window. In general, windows with higher SHGC ratings allow more solar radiation to enter, which can make the room warmer, while those with lower SHGC ratings block out more solar energy and keep rooms cooler. If you live in a climate that is hot during both summer and winter months, it may be beneficial to have windows with lower SHCG ratings year-round to keep your home cooler and reduce your reliance on air conditioning.
How to Find a Window With the Right SHGC Rating
When looking for the right window for your home, look for one with an SHGC rating of 0.30 or lower in the summer and 0.45 or higher in the winter to ensure energy efficiency and comfort levels are maximized. You can also consult with an experienced contractor who can help you select windows that meet your needs and budget. An experienced window contractor will be able to explain the SHGC rating in more detail and help you pick out the exact right windows for your home.
Replacing the windows in your Rockford, IL home is an important investment that can affect both energy efficiency and comfort levels. Knowing which windows are right for your needs requires understanding Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings, R-values and U-factors.
Turn to the leading window and roofing company in Rockford, IL. If you need help selecting new windows for your home, contact Lask Exterior Solutions, LLC in Rockford, IL, at (815) 964-2220 today!