Cold weather windows can also be known as energy-efficient windows and for good reason. They help insulate the house during cold months by keeping in heat and keeping cold air out. This cuts the cost of energy bills because you do not have to rely solely on the heating system to keep you warm during cold periods. Cold weather windows are perfect for those living in cold areas and should be on your list of priorities when buying/renting/building a house. Here is a list of the best type of windows for cold weather.
1) Double or triple-pane windows
Double or triple-pane windows are thicker than single-pane windows and can be made from low E glass are good at holding in heat. They let sunlight into homes during the winter months to warm up the home. These windows can be insulated using a high-density gas like krypton with low thermal conductivity. This gas will cause the window to be more insulated than normal and keep you from unnecessarily high energy bills.
2) Low U-factor
A window’s U-factor shows how good it is at retaining heat and preventing heat loss. It measures the glass, spacers, panel, and frame of the window. U-factor ratings range between 0.14 to 1.20. A lower u-factor signifies a more energy-efficient window with high insulation capacity. U-factor requirements differ from one geographical region to the other. Check on the specificity before making a purchase.
3) High solar heat gain coefficient
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) is a measure of how well a window allows heat from natural sunlight through it or how efficient it is at blocking out heat from natural sunlight. The ratings range from 0 to 1. 0 means the window lets in minimum or no solar heat while 1 indicates that the window lets in as much solar heat as possible. A higher SHGC number indicates the window lets in more heat from the sun which is perfect for people living in colder regions.
4) Visibility transmittance
This is a measure of the amount of light that passes through a window. The ratings are from 0 to 1. Windows with a rating of 0 let in minimum light while those with a rating of 1 let in the maximum amount of light possible.
5) Low air leakage rating
It measures the quantity of air in cubic feet that infiltrates through the drafts of a window within 1 minute divided by the total area of the window. It ranges from 0.1 to 0.3. The best type of windows for cold weather have a lower rating showing that they let in less air and keep in the heat.
6) R-value
It measures the thermal integrity of your window which includes the space between window panes and the efficiency of the insulation. Make inquiries before purchasing cold weather windows because r-value requirements differ from one area to the other.
Discover Thompson Creek’s Vinyl Windows Today
Thompson Creek’s custom-built vinyl windows give you double-pane or triple-pane glass options, keeping the temperatures at bay and lowering your utility bills. Give us a call today for a free consultation.