If you want to improve your house’s energy efficiency, think about where to put windows. The best location for winter windows is on the south side of your home, where the sun rises low in the southern sky and sets in the southwest. This will allow winter sun heat to enter your living space at the right time. You can also shade the sun on your south side of the home during summer. It rises high above the sky at midday and sets in to the northwest.
South facing
South facing windows can be used to heat a house in winter and provide natural light in summer. They also let in less heat or glare than windows that face east or north. In winter, they can save heating costs because they get more direct sunlight. Depending upon the type of window, south-facing ones can offer a 50-60% reduction on energy bills over their lifetime.
High solar heat gain coefficient (SGHC), windows are better at absorbing winter heat. Low-E coated windows are also a great option for southern-facing windows, since they allow plenty of natural light to enter while keeping warm air inside.
A benefit of south-facing windows are that they allow in more natural sunlight, which is beneficial for our health as well as our happiness. They keep our homes warmer in winter, which is also good news for the environment. These windows also provide a nice area for houseplants, as direct sunlight is perfect for photosynthesis.
South-facing windows in a house can contribute to the energy efficiency of a home, but if the windows are not properly installed, the home may not achieve the desired energy efficiency levels. Passive heating is a way that a home can keep warm even without an AC system or furnace. Passive heating depends on the window’s ability reflect solar heat. To maximize passive heating, windows should be placed on south-facing walls.
South-facing walls should have at least 50 percent of the total windows compared to east-west. It is also recommended that you shade ninety-five percent of the south facing windows. Shaded windows are a great way to block the heat from mid-angle summer sunshine. Windows facing west-facing walls, on the other hand, receive a lot of solar heat in summer and little solar heating in winter.
East facing
The orientation of your windows in your house can make a huge difference in how energy-efficient your house is. Typically, a house will lose up to 25% of its heat through the windows. Even poorly placed windows can waste energy. Low-e glass glazing can also help to limit solar heat gain.
If you are looking for energy efficient windows, it is important to choose a south-facing window. A window with a SHGC greater than 0.6 is ideal. Another important feature is that it should have a low U-factor, which reduces conductive heat transfer. Also, ensure you choose windows that transmit visible light well.
Another benefit of east-facing windows is that they allow morning sunlight to enter the house. This naturally gives you a cheerful, bright feeling in the morning. The light is a natural energy booster, so getting a dose of it first thing in the morning will be a pleasant surprise.
You may be able get beautiful sunset views from your west-facing windows. However, you will need to be careful about how your windows are placed. The sun will be stronger on west-facing windows in summer, so it is important to make sure they are protected from the sun in winter.
North facing
If you live somewhere with a northern climate, it is a good idea to have north-facing windows in your home. This orientation allows for more natural light in morning and less heat during the winter. However, a north facing house may have too much sunlight during the summer, and the opposite effect can be felt in the winter.
A north facing house should be equipped with plenty of sunlight collectors. This will ensure that the house is kept cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Larger windows can cause heating or cooling problems. In addition, these houses are more difficult to shade. Windows facing east or west can be too hot in summer and provide very little heating in winter.
Similar to the south facing houses, they may be uncomfortable in summer. For such cases, you may be able to install trees or garages that provide shade. You can also have smaller windows that block the sunlight. If you live in a cold environment, windows with a northern orientation can provide you with year-round sunlight and help you save money on heating in winter. High-quality windows can make north-facing homes more energy efficient.
North facing windows are generally better for energy efficiency than those facing west. Although west-facing windows can provide beautiful sunset views in the evenings, the afternoon sun can make your rooms more warm than they should. The west side also has less natural light during daylight.
Selecting a window type
The right window type can make all the difference in how much money you spend on heating and cooling your house. Many factors affect the thermal performance of windows, including the glass type, the size and the installation. For maximum efficiency, choose windows that have been certified by ENERGY STAR(r). These windows are extremely energy-efficient and can reduce heating/cooling bills by as much 12% per year. The National Fenestration Ratings Council can verify the Energy-Star rating of windows.
Other than the type of window, the frame’s style and material can also impact energy efficiency. The Energy Star label on windows can help you make an informed choice about the best windows for your home. The U-Factor, which is an important number in energy efficiency, is also important. The SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient), however, is another factor to be aware of.
Window glass and frames must be chosen according to the climate and region. Low-E coatings are best for those who live near very cold areas. The manufacturer of your window should be able advise you on the type of frame and glass that will achieve the best energy efficiency. In addition to traditional windows, picture windows can be very energy-efficient as long as they have the right glass and gas-filling.
While most windows are energy efficient, the frame can affect their thermal performance. Leakage of air from old or damaged frames can increase energy bills. Aluminum frames are light, lightweight, recyclable and efficient. If you are living in a cold climate, you may want to choose aluminum frames because they are both lightweight and environmentally-friendly. However, metal frames are not good insulators and can absorb heat.
How to choose a window style
The choice of window style can have a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency. The style of the window and the glass used can have a significant impact on energy efficiency. Many new window styles use two or three panes. This will help you conserve your energy over the long term.
Before deciding on a window style, consider the location of the windows. Consider how much heat and light can pass through the windows when placing the windows. It is better not to place one large unit of windows but to place several smaller ones. Remember that the location and placement of windows will depend on the ceiling and floor. To determine where new windows should be placed, align the top of the existing windows with the tops for the new windows. This will give new windows a sense order.
The U value of a window indicates how much heat is lost from the glass. A lower U-value indicates better insulation. The U-factor for a window can range between 0.20 and 1.20. Another factor to be considered is the SHGC. This indicates how much solar energy a particular window can block. The SHGC will protect your home from heat damage by being lower.
Most people choose a window style based upon its U-factor. But you can personalize the design to fit your lifestyle. For instance, if you live in a cold climate, you can choose a window style with a high SHGC rating, which will help reduce your winter heating bill. If you live in a hot climate, you can choose a style that will keep the home cooler in summer.
I am Charlotte, an author of ManagEnergy.tv and I love everything about energy management! I have always been passionate about helping people and businesses save energy and money, so this is the perfect career for me!
