The Importance of Energy-Efficient Windows for Southern Homes 

One of the most effective steps that homeowners in the south can take to lower their energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprints is to have energy-efficient windows installed. In the summer, temperatures in the southern states can soar past 100 degrees and, contrary to popular belief, there are some areas of the south where it can get downright frigid during the winter. In this article, we’ll take a look at why it’s so important for southern homeowners to have energy-efficient windows installed in their homes.

Minimizing Heat Transfer

For starters, as much as 30% of a home’s heated air is lost through the windows in a process called thermal transfer. In the summertime, about the same amount of hot air is able to seep into your home from outside. And this is with windows that are performing as they are designed to. So, if the windows on your home are warped, drafty, or outdated, this number is probably much higher. That’s why many southern homeowners find it difficult to keep their homes adequately cool during the sweltering summer months. But with energy-efficient windows, your home will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, so you and your family will be more comfortable year-round.

Reducing Strain on HVAC Units

Another big reason to have energy-efficient windows installed is that with less heat transfer occurring, your HVAC system won’t have to work so hard to maintain a consistent interior temperature. This can help you save money on your monthly heating and cooling expenses, which will certainly be a bonus to homeowners who’ve been paying exorbitantly high energy bills. By consuming less energy, your home will also have a smaller carbon footprint which is something many homeowners are striving for these days. Moreover, reducing the work that your HVAC system has to do each day will likely prolong its life and prevent it from breaking down and requiring costly repairs.

Filtering Out the Things You Don’t Want

Energy-efficient windows possess several superior features that provide multiple benefits for your home. Improved thermal performance is only the beginning. The glass in high-performance windows is usually coated with a low-emissivity or low-E film that not only blocks out most of the infrared light responsible for heat gain, but also up to 99% of the harmful UV rays that can cause color fading in sun-exposed fabrics such as furniture upholstery, carpets, and drapery. Energy-efficient windows also often feature insulation-filled frames and triple-pane sashes, both of which can help block out exterior noise. Not only will your home be cooler in the summer, but it will also be quieter all year round.

Energy-efficient windows also do a better job of keeping out moisture, and in the humid south, that can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping your house free of mold and mildew. Furthermore, it can help prevent wood rot, plaster deterioration, paint and wallpaper blistering, and corrosion. Yes, your pots and pans can rust in a high-humidity environment!

Understanding Window Labels

When considering energy-efficient windows, there are a lot of performance ratings to take into account. The numbers are listed on a label that every new window is required to have, but unless you know what they all mean, it’s hard to determine which rating should be prioritized for southern homes. The two most commonly cited ratings are a window’s U-Factor and its Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The U-Factor is a measure of how well a window prevents heat from passing through it. That includes outside heat getting in, and inside heat seeping out. Ratings range from .02 to 1.20. The lower the number, the better it is at preventing heat transfer. For southern homes, look for windows with a U-Factor between .17 and .30.

The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient ranges from 0 to 1 and measures how good the window is at resisting solar heating. This is strictly a one-way measurement evaluating heat transfer from the outside in. For warm southern climates, this rating is the more important of the two. You’ll want a window that has an SHGC no higher than .30.       

The Window Manufacturer of Choice for Millions of Homeowners

As one of the most innovative and eco-conscious manufacturers in the industry, Sunrise Windows and Doors offers a wide selection of technologically advanced replacement windows that provide southern homeowners with unsurpassed energy efficiency. To learn more about our windows, click here to locate the nearest Sunrise Windows dealer.