If you are in the market for replacement windows, you’ve probably come across some terms like U-factor, SHGC, and VT. These are three very important indicators of your window’s energy efficiency, so it’s wise to have a good idea of what they mean when buying replacement windows.
Below, this replacement windows company in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin is going to explore some of the key things you should know about U-factor, SHGC, and VT.
U-factor measures how good a window is at retaining heat inside your home.
U-factor values generally range from 0.20 to 1.20, and the lower this number, the better the window is at keeping heat from escaping. With that said, if you live in a state with long and cold winters (like Wisconsin), you will want that number to be as low as possible — ideally 0.30 or lower. If you don’t clearly understand which U-factor rating is best for your home, you should reach out to a professional replacement windows company in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
SHGC measures how much solar heat enters your home through a window.
The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures the amount of heat from the sun that can enter your home through the windows. The SHGC number is always between 0 and 1, with lower numbers indicating less solar heat transmission.
If you live in an area that sees consistently high temperatures and is sunny throughout much of the year, a low SHGC is ideal because it blocks out excess heat and keeps your home from getting too hot. But, in Wisconsin (a state that experiences long periods of subfreezing temperatures and a lot of snowfall), you might actually want an SHGC that falls between 0.30 and 0.60. Windows with a slightly higher SHGC will give you some of that solar heat, which can naturally heat your home for free.
Choosing the right SHGC depends on factors like your home’s orientation and local climate conditions, and a professional replacement windows company in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin can help you with that.
VT measures how much natural light passes through a window.
Visible Transmittance (VT) measures the amount of natural light that comes through a window. The VT scale ranges from 0 to 1, with higher numbers meaning more light can enter your home.
If you live in Wisconsin, you should get windows with a high VT rating. This is because more natural light brings more warmth from the sun, which helps you keep your heating costs down. A bright and naturally lit home also feels so much more open and comfortable.
But too much sunlight is not always a good thing. If you have seen your furniture, carpets, and artwork fading over time due to exposure to direct sunlight, you know what we mean. Not to mention that too much light can also create glare issues and make it uncomfortable to watch TV or work on your computer.
You want windows that offer the perfect combination of VT and SHGC so that they can let in enough light to brighten your home with almost no downsides. A professional replacement windows company in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin can help you find windows that maximize natural light in your home while minimizing glare and protecting your belongings from sun damage.
Looking for a Replacement Windows Company in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin?
Are you shopping for energy-efficient replacement windows? If so, and if you are looking for the best replacement windows company in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, our team at WASCO Windows is here to help. Contact us today to get started.
