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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

"Renewal by Andersen windows experience has been great. From my initial call to Andersen on inquiry about their windows and doors through the order and installation process everyone I’ve dealt with has been great. Great process, great product and most of all great people to work with. Thanks."

Kevin Sweetin
Feb 28, 2024

"I just bought my first house. My patio sliding door was rotten. So, I needed it to replace it. Renewal by Anderson of Southern Missouri listened to what I wanted and delivered it. They did a fantastic job of installing and cleaning up afterwards. They did it even in freezing rain that day I was scheduled to have it replaced. They even had a follow-up to check things out and do the touch ups. I'm amazed at there work. Great job Renewal by Anderson."

DKay Mikel
Feb 9, 2024

"On Feb 1,2024 my husband and I selected Renewel by Andersen for windows for our entire house. It made our house more beautiful with the picture windows. Made the outside more attractive, and on the inside. We did 14 windows. We had 4 men come to do the job in 1 day And they were very friendly, efficient,fast and cleaned up inside and outside perfectly. And most importantly we noticed the heating furnace runs less,therefore saving us money on our gas bill. We live in SW Missouri. We recommend anyone who wants to replace windows in their home to pick Renewal by Andersen. Sincerely, Darius and Nancy Durman"

Nancy Durman
Feb 7, 2024

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