Insulation is a cost-effective solution to maintaining comfort in your home. It helps improve energy efficiency, too. When you can limit the amount of heat that accumulates and escapes through different parts of your house, you won’t be depending too much on your HVAC system to keep you and your family comfortable through winter or any season.
If you’re thinking of getting window replacement in Toms River, here are some factors you need to consider to make sure your have enough window insulation:
U-Factor and SHGC Ratings
SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) and U-factor (or U-value) measure the amount of solar radiation admitted and heat lost through a window. A lower SHGC means the window is better at blocking solar heat from entering your home. A lower U-factor means the window has a higher capacity to prevent heat loss.
Climate Zones
The country is divided into different climate zones. Under ENERGY STAR®’s climate zones, Toms River and Jackson is at the North-Central Zone, which means your windows should have both cooling and heating properties. The recommended U-factor for windows is 0.32 or lower, and the recommended SHGC is 0.40 or lower. If your home has significant heating costs, think about getting replacement windows with a low U-factor. If you have high air conditioning costs, especially during summer, get windows with an SHGC of 0.30 or lower.
Window insulation requirements depend on different factors. Apart from your climate zone and the recommended U-factor and SHGC, you should also consider the window’s orientation. It’s best to consult window specialists to ensure you’re getting windows with the sufficient insulation properties.
Before buying a replacement, such as a sliding window in Jackson New Jersey, consult experts. We at Renewal by Andersen® of New Jersey-New York Metro are your local source for high quality windows that meet ENERGY STAR requirements. Call us to schedule a free in-home consultation.
