Blackstone Exteriors

Window replacement requires you to be discerning about the materials you’re going to use. When buying new windows for your home, one of the things that you should look for is their solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) ratings.

A SHGC rating measures the amount of heat that can pass through a window. It basically tells you if a particular window can effectively protect your interior against heat from the outside.

SHGC Ratings: Why Do They Matter?

SHGC ratings are determined by the National Fenestration Rating Council® (NFRC) through a series of tests on various window products. These ratings are then used by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate the energy efficiency of windows before issuing certifications and considering the products for federal incentive and rebate programs.

Meanwhile, consumers typically refer to the SHGC ratings so that they can select the right windows for their homes. SHGC ratings are usually printed on product labels, and they can be found with other information, such as condensation resistance, visible transmittance and U-factor.

What’s the Recommended SHGC Rating for Windows?

Window replacement involves making sure that your new windows are suitable for the type of climate that you have in your region. For instance, homes in southern climates that highly depend on cooling should have windows with an SHGC rating of not more than 0.27. If you experience the mixed climates of the South and central regions, your windows’ SHGC rating should be lower than 0.30.

If you are located in an area that experiences the mixed climates of the North and Midwest, you should choose windows with an SHGC rating lower than 0.40.

For the colder climates of the North, you should pay more attention to the U-factor than the SHGC rating – unless you are using air conditioning from time to time, in which case you should make sure your windows have an SHGC rating of not more than 0.40. If air conditioning is not used at all, your windows should have an SHGC rating of 0.30 to 0.60.

Blackstone Exteriors is one of the most reliable window and siding contractors in the area. We carry out jobs to a high standard, so you can rest assured that you’ll get value for your money. Call us at (515) 344-1323, or fill out our contact form to request an estimate.