Friday, May 20, 2005

Window, window, in the wall...

...which is the most efficient of them all?

Well, it's time to do some window research again...this time I'll try to take notes so that I don't forget everything again...My first stop for windows research has always been energyefficientwindows.org. Reading through their pages and using their window selector, it seems that we want the following windows:
  • on the south side - window 30:
    double-glazed, high-solar-gain, low-e, argon gas, insulated vinyl
    (U value of 0.29, SHGC of 0.56 and VT of 0.58).
  • on the east/west sides - window 33:
    triple-glazed, moderate-solar-gain, low-e, argon gas, insulated vinyl
    (U value of 0.18, SHGC of 0.40 and VT of 0.50)
The U-value indicates how well the window insulates (i.e., keeping the heat in); the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) indicates what percentage of the sun's energy is allowed to get through (and heat our cement slab and other thermal mass); the Visual Transmittance (VT) indicates how much "dayligh" makes it through the window (the lower, the darker).

As I see now, "Insulated Vinyl" has become as energy-efficient as our previously favored Fiberglass. The challenge will be to find a company that makes windows with these characteristics, because it seems that this model windows are just hypothetical windows and don't represent any physically available windows...


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5 comments:

Owais Khan said...

From the security of the home to comfort, everything depends on the windows. It is a well known fact that they play a vital role in the air conditioning of the room. You will be able to save a great deal of money spent in the electricity bills if you select the best suited windows for your home. When it comes to replacement there are some key factors to be noted. Just keep reading on the article to know the 3 factors to be considered for replacement. vinyl windows toronto

Unknown said...

Your blog was very helpful for me.Thak you for your informative writing. Actually,the benefits of double glazing are many but for me its insulation facility is the most beneficial site.

John Patricia said...

This is the great blog which is explaining the benefits of the windows. Get the home replacement windows which can enhance your house look from Energyhomepros.com.

Bernard Harris said...
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Ac Jitu said...
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