Window Efficiency Part 1: Factors that Affect Performance

Windows provide natural light and ventilation to come inside our home. They also give great outdoor views and help lessen energy consumption. However, performance can be affected by several factors.

1. Orientation

Window placement can affect how much solar heat is transmitted inside your home, and how much light can pass through during a specific time of day. For example, if your window faces east, more light is admitted into a room.

To measure how much solar heat is transmitted, contractors use the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) rating. As the rating increases, the greater heat is transmitted through a window.

2. Window area

Aside from providing greater outdoor views, larger windows also give greater natural ventilation. If you have a double hung window in Clifton Park, NY, that faces south, it can collect more heat during cold days, so you should maximize the window area as much as possible. By knowing window orientation, you can determine if you need a bigger or smaller window for your home.

3. Climate

Your windows face different elements every day: from the sun’s rays, light spring rain, and cold winter snow. According to Eric Minkiewicz, President of Renewal by Andersen® Eastern New York, during an interview for Look Today, different window materials react differently to these elements. Materials like wood and vinyl expand and contract at different rates and can cause high energy consumption. New York, for example, experiences fluctuating temperatures throughout the year. Improperly installed windows can let in drafts and inferior materials can increase energy bills. Certain windows can keep heat inside a home during winter. During hot days, they can also keep away solar heat from coming inside a room.

For an efficient window replacement in Beacon, NY, trust Renewal by Andersen of Eastern New York. We provide the perfect energy-efficient, durable, and stylish windows suitable for any New York climate. Our windows are made of Fibrex®, one of the most durable and efficient composite window materials.

If you want to schedule an appointment with our experts, just fill out our contact form here. You can also check out part two of this article to learn more about Fibrex and why it’s the best choice for your home.