A window s u factor determines how good energy efficient windows are at preventing heat loss during the winter.
Best windows for cold climates.
Instead of spending money on more expensive frame materials or lower u value construction that will offer diminishing returns southern homeowners should splurge on spectrally selective low e glass.
The recommended value for window glass in cold climates is 0 55.
A relatively basic double pane gas filled vinyl window should provide sufficient cold weather protection for homes in this climate.
What are the most important window technologies for cold weather climates.
For those brave enough to weather the bone chilling temperatures of the far northern united states and canada your windows need glass that insulates from the cold while letting the sun s rays in.
In cold climates consider triple or double glazed windows with a very low u factor and relatively high solar gain shgc coefficient.
0 42 0 55 the higher the better.
High solar gain low e glasses are best suited for cold climates.
For cold climates the low e coating needs to be applied on the outer side of the innermost glass.
0 30 0 39 the lower the better whole window shgc.
Our naturalsun low e insulating glass with argon is specially designed to help you create a home that s as energy efficient as possible.
The ratings range from 0 14 to 1 20.
Having an r value of 5 means that these windows have reduced heat loss from a u factor of 0 3 to 0 2.
Installing storm windows can also help in reducing energy losses thereby increasing energy efficiency.
The best windows for cold climates.
But not enough to justify cost in all but extremely cold climates or where there is a.
The best window frames for cold climates.
Now we ll discuss the frames and window glass separately.
Beyond these values there are other ways to increase the energy efficiency of your windows including.
Essentially the best frames for cold weather are anything but aluminum.
The best glazing packages include double pane or triple pane glass that is coated to prevent the transfer of heat from inside to the outside of the window.
U value the recommended value for window glass in cold climates is 0 33 or less.
Need to know look at the overall scores in our window ratings then zero in on windows that excelled at low temperature wind resistance if your home is exposed to high winds and.
Replacement windows with a low u factor provide the best insulating value and higher resistance to heat flow.