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Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (or SHGC) is a measure of how much solar heat is transmitted through a window. A window with a low SHGC will block more solar heat, while a window with a high SHGC will let more solar heat in.
SHGC is a number between 0 and 1, with 0 being the lowest SHGC (meaning it blocks the most solar heat) and 1 being the highest SHGC (meaning it lets in the most solar heat).
While window condensation may not seem like a major issue, it can have several negative consequences if left unattended:
SHGC is an important factor to consider when choosing windows, especially if you live in a climate with extreme temperatures. In hot climates, windows with a low SHGC can help to reduce cooling costs by blocking solar heat from entering the home(Home builder in Greenville NC). In cold climates, windows with a high SHGC can help to reduce heating costs by allowing solar heat to enter the home.
The SHGC of a window is affected by a number of factors, including:
The right SHGC for your climate will depend on a number of factors, including the orientation of your home, the amount of shade your windows receive, and the type of heating and cooling system you use.
If you live in a hot climate, you will generally want to choose windows with a low SHGC. If you live in a cold climate, you may want to choose windows with a higher SHGC.
Here are some tips for choosing the right SHGC for your climate:
Orientation of your home
Consider the orientation of your home(Home improvement Greenville NC ). Windows on the south side of your home will receive more solar heat than windows on the north side.
Amount of shade your windows receive
Consider the amount of shade your windows receive. Windows that are shaded by trees or other buildings will receive less solar heat than windows that are not shaded.
Type of heating and cooling system you use
Consider the type of heating and cooling system you use. If you use a central air conditioner, you will generally want to choose windows with a low SHGC. If you use a passive solar heating system, you may want to choose windows with a higher SHGC.
SHGC measures how much solar heat is transmitted through a window, while U-factor measures how much heat is transferred through a window by conduction, convection, and radiation. SHGC is a more important factor to consider when choosing windows for climate control, while U-factor is a more important factor to consider when choosing windows for energy efficiency.
Windows with a low SHGC can help to reduce cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter. They can also help to improve indoor comfort by reducing glare and hot spots.
Windows with a low SHGC can be more expensive than windows with a higher SHGC. They may also reduce the amount of natural light that enters your home.
The SHGC for a window is typically listed on the window’s NFRC label. The NFRC label is a yellow and black label that provides information about the energy performance of windows.
SHGC is an important factor to consider when choosing windows. By choosing the right SHGC for your climate, you can reduce your energy costs and improve indoor comfort.