As the weather gets warmer, you are likely thinking about dealing with summer heat. There are many tactics that you can use to keep your Michigan home cool, but one of the most effective is installing new, energy-efficient windows.
New windows allow plenty of sunshine into your home, making it lighter and brighter. Unfortunately, older windows also let in solar heat, along with this natural light. In fact, inefficient windows can account for 10% to 20% of your cooling costs.
In the summertime, your air conditioner is forced to work extra hard to keep your home cool. The standard, single-pane glass windows that are part of most homes built before the mid-90s are not very energy efficient and allow cool air to escape.
Simply replacing your old windows with new, energy-efficient models will help you to lower your energy bill and keep your home cooler. Energy efficient windows are designed to reduce heat conduction from outside of the home during warm months. This heat conduction happens on all of the window’s surfaces, including the frame, glass and glazing. Several components of a window impact its energy efficiency.
When considering replacement windows, look for panes that offer a low U-Factor. This measures how well the windows prevents heat from escaping a building. You should also look for a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). This is the fraction of sunlight that is allowed through a window and converted to heat once indoors.
Installing SmartSun™ window is an excellent way to reduce heat conduction. They reduce heat conduction by 70% during the summer, while blocking 95% of harmful UV rays, making them the most energy-efficient glass option.
When replacing your windows, start with those on the south and west walls, where the most solar heat enters. Your energy-efficient replacement windows should also be installed by an experienced professional. No matter how high quality a window is, it cannot deliver results if it is not installed correctly. Faulty installation can lead to an even more significant loss of cooled air.
When you are ready to explore replacement windows for dealing with summer heat in your Michigan home, contact the team at Renewal by Andersen®. We offer a wide selection of energy efficient windows, in many sizes, shapes and colors. We understand the importance of beauty and efficiency in replacement windows and will help you to find the perfect windows. Reach out to schedule your free in-home consultation.
