Schedule a Free Consultation

Everything You Need to Know About Your Windows’ SHGC Rating

When shopping for energy-efficient windows, make sure you understand their energy performances ratings. These are essential in selecting which window units are a perfect fit for your home and for the region where you live. Today’s blog focuses on one of the most important ratings to look out for, which is the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).

Energy-efficient Windows

What Is the SHGC?

The SHGC is an energy performance rating that refers to the ratio of solar radiation passing through the whole window assembly composed of the glazing, window frame and spacers separating the glass panes. It ranges between 0 and 1, with the latter indicating the maximum amount of solar heat allowed.

Why Consider the SHGC Rating?

Knowing how windows behave relative to sunlight and solar heat allows you to choose the most appropriate units for your home, which often depends on the local climate. For instance, windows that allow for a larger amount of solar heat to pass through work well in regions where extra warmth coming from the sun is deemed beneficial.

What’s the Best SHGC Rating for Your Windows?

Discussing the matter of energy performance with your windows installer helps determine the exact SHGC rating for the replacement windows you are going to purchase. Generally speaking, however, an SHGC rating of less than 0.40 is recommended, especially in the Midwest where both heating and cooling are required.

Other factors to consider when determining the most favorable SHGC ratings for your replacement windows include your home’s orientation and external shading. There are other energy performance ratings you should also consider, including the U-factor, air leakage and visible transmittance.

At Renewal by Andersen® of Southwest Missouri, we offer high-quality ENERGY STAR® windows that help slash your energy bills. With features like High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass and Fibrex® framing material, you can enjoy consistent indoor comfort while saving on energy. Call (417) 268-9301, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Reviews

"Great workmanship on windows installation is done very professionally by excellent crew. Installed in a very timely manner. Excellent company to deal with."

Roy D
Feb 14, 2023

"The Springfield team was wonderful to work with , professional , friendly and knowledgeable. They all seem to take great pride in their work. These new windows are fantastic, they look great , operate so easy and the energy efficiency was noticeable from the very first day . Thank you Renewal by Andersen for transforming our home and our lives."

Pam S
Feb 15, 2023

"After years of watching the wind move my drapes and hours of difficult cleaning, I decided to get new windows. I went with Renewal by Andersen because of the great reviews and quality. From Brent who did the consult, Gideon who did the measuring, to Jason, Josh, and I apologize I can't remember the third installers name, this is the most professional company I've ever worked with. I own a 1994 double wide mobile home, so everything in this place is hard to work with. I had a bay window, 6 double hung, 2 awning, and a front door replaced.. They said it would take 2 days and they were done on time! I did have second thoughts about doing this mainly because of the cost, but once it was done, I was very happy I did this."

Gary S
Feb 18, 2023

View All Reviews