Welcome to my window blog. My name is Christy, and this is one of a series of blogs I am making about homes and home repairs. I was inspired to write about these topics after remodelling our home and replacing a lot of elements like the windows. I am going to write about everything from choosing the right windows for your climate to keeping your glass squeaky clean. I hope that you like reading these blogs -- if they inspire or help you, share them with your friends on Facebook, Twitter or whatever social media you like! Thanks again for reading and enjoy!
Many prospective homeowners choose casement windows for the fact that they often provide an uninterrupted view of the outdoors and for the fact that they often don't need additional window treatments.
Like many other prospective homeowners, you'll probably want to invest in the most energy efficient windows. This article discusses two qualities that you should look for when comparing the energy efficiency of casement windows.
A Low U-Factor Or A High R-Value
The U-factor refers to the rate at which a casement window gains or loses non-solar heat. Windows gain or lose non-solar heat because of the difference between indoor temperatures and the temperatures outside. Non-solar heat often escapes through casement windows to the outside when indoor temperatures are higher than outdoor temperatures. When outdoor temperatures are higher, the heat often escapes into your house through the windows. This can have a significant impact on your residential heating and cooling needs. The U-factor is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU) and a low U-factor translates to a more energy efficient window.
The R-Value is used to denote the extent to which a casement window will resist the flow of heat. The R-Value is a reciprocal of the U-factor. It is given in Kelvin square meters and a higher R-Value translates to a more energy efficient window. Because of the inverse relationship between the U-factor and the R-Value, casement window manufacturers often only give one of these energy ratings for their products.
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient Factor
Abbreviated as SHGC, this is a measure of the amount of solar radiation that a casement window will transmit. The window may transmit such radiation directly or it may do so by absorbing sun rays, before the radiation is introduced into your home as heat. The SHGC factor is given in watts per square metre.
The questions as to whether a higher or a lower SHGC factor makes for a more energy efficient window often depends on the climate. Windows with a high SHGC will help to heat up your house during the winter, while those with a low SHGC will prevent heat gain through the windows during the hot summer months.
In addition to this, double-glazing and the installation of window tint films often reduce the SHGC of a casement window. You need to have this in mind when using the solar heat gain factor to determine which window is the most energy efficient.
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