You probably put a lot of thought into a window replacement for your home. Considering things like functionality and which window styles would best fit the aesthetic of your home. But, have you given any thought to solar heat gains and how they might affect the overall efficiency of your home? We didn’t think, and that’s ok because many residents who are seeking new window installation don’t even know what solar heat gains mean.
We’re here to tell you all about solar heat gains, or SGHC. But, before we do that, you should know a little bit about us. Since 1998, Mad City Windows has been a leading window installation company in Wisconsin. We’re proud to offer top-of-the-line solutions that help residents all over the area achieve the windows of their dreams.
What Are Solar Heat Gains?
Your windows absorb heat in three ways through insulated glazing units; conduction, convection, and radiation. With solar radiation being the primary way that heat is absorbed, solar heat gain coefficient, or SHGC, is the standard measurement used in the United States (ask your window installation company if they know that!)
How to Understand SGHC
It’s measured on a rating from 0 to 1. The lower the rating, the less heat that’s being transmitted through your windows. So, if your goal is to have windows that transfer minimal amounts of heat to your home, you’ll want to find energy-efficient windows that have the lowest SGHC rating you can find.
Why is it Important to You?
When developers are designing buildings and homes, they want the indoors to be as thermally controlled as possible. So, they have to consider which direction the windows will be facing to determine what level of SGHC windows will be the most optimal.
How You Can Reduce SGHC on Replacement Windows
During those hot summer months, you’ll want to do everything that you can to reduce SGHC on your windows. Here are a few tips to consider:
- Add in Outdoor Shading with Trees and Bushes
- Consider Adding Tint to Your Windows
- Invest in Low E-Coating
Get in Touch with Our Team Today
For new window installation or to learn more about SGHC—give the experts at Mad City Windows a call. Our team is always available and ready to walk you through everything you need to know about your windows. Give us a call or fill out the online form for your free estimate.
