Replacement Windows For Phoenix Homes

In climates such as southern and central Arizona, including Phoenix, replacement windows can make a noticeable difference in the comfort level of your home and in your utility bills. In addition to the benefits related to energy and money savings, replacement windows also improve the look of a home, make it quieter, permit less dust to enter a house, protect the interior (carpet, rugs, floors, furniture, window coverings, art, pictures) from fading caused by ultraviolet light, allow more light in and reduce condensation on the windows.

Window Ratings

With over 300 days of sunshine per year, how well a window blocks the heat and ultraviolet rays from the sun is very important. Energy Star windows are rated in five categories. The U-Factor and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measure how much heat a window transfers and are the primary ratings to focus on when buying replacement windows for a Phoenix home.

Solar Heat Gain

Solar heat gain is the amount of the sun’s energy that is transmitted through a window. The sun’s heat is transmitted through the glass and the window frame and sash. The frame and sash can comprise 10-30% of the total area of a window so the frame construction is an important factor. Windows use a variety of techniques to reduce solar gain.

Low-E Coatings

Low-E coatings reduce the heat and ultraviolet rays that pass through a window. Low-E coatings are very thin, invisible metal layers applied to the glass. High, medium and low solar gain versions of Low-E coatings are available. To further reduce solar gain, some double pane windows have Low-E coatings on both pieces of glass.

Gas Fillings

Double pane windows have a gap between the pieces of glass. This gap can be filled air or gas (Argon gas or Krypton gas). The gasses are heavier than air and make it harder for hot or cold air to pass through. Krypton is the heavier of the two gasses and requires a smaller gap between the panes but is more expensive. The gasses are sealed between the panes and are non-toxic so there is no health risk if a window is broken.

Window Frames

Vinyl windows frames have hollow spaces inside which can be filled with insulation to improve their thermal performance. Aluminum transmits heat very well so aluminum windows have poor thermal performance unless a “thermal break” is added. A material which transmits heat very poorly is inserted between the aluminum pieces on the inside and outside of the window to create a thermal break.

Summary

If you are looking for replacement windows for your home in Phoenix, focusing on the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of windows will ensure your home remains comfortable and your air conditioner will run less.

To learn more about replacement windows in Phoenix, Arizona you can visit http://replacementwindows-phoenix.com/.