What Vinyl Windiws Are Best For A Cold Climate

A relatively basic double pane gas filled vinyl window should provide sufficient cold weather protection for homes in this climate.

What vinyl windiws are best for a cold climate.

The best windows for cold climates. The best window frames for cold climates. Replacement windows with a low u factor provide the best insulating value and higher resistance to heat flow. 0 30 0 39 the lower the better whole window shgc.

A window s u factor determines how good energy efficient windows are at preventing heat loss during the winter. What are the most important window technologies for cold weather climates. Essentially the best frames for cold weather are anything but aluminum aluminum allows the rapid transfer of heat. 0 42 0 55 the higher the better.

In winter heat in your home will steadily be lost through aluminum frames and that will put your heating system into high gear. The ratings range from 0 14 to 1 20. Solar heat gain coefficient shgc this is a measure of the amount of heat passing through the window glass. To find out which windows can keep out rain and wind without leaking consumer reports tested 21 double hung and four casement windows two popular styles.

Instead of spending money on more expensive frame materials or lower u value construction that will offer diminishing returns southern homeowners should splurge on spectrally selective low e glass. In cold climates consider triple or double glazed windows with a very low u factor and relatively high solar gain shgc coefficient. The recommended value for window glass in cold climates is 0 55. Their high efficiency reduces and even eliminates the need for turning on the lights.