Window Basics: SHGC vs. U-Value

When you’re picking out new windows and siding for your home improvement project, you’ll need to comply with local performance requirements to ensure a standard of energy efficiency. For example, you will need to get windows with a specific solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and U-value. It could be confusing for those who don’t know these concepts, but they aren’t as complicated as they sound. In this post, the top window and siding installation expert, Hunterdon Roofing, Siding and Window Company, elaborates on them further.

U-Value

When you’re looking for windows, one of the most important things you should try is to pay attention to their style, material, and their U-value. The U-value, or U-factor, pertains to the rate your windows transfer non-solar heat. In layman’s terms, it values the insulation qualities of the windows you’re planning to install.

Window replacement companies will tell you that the window U-value is shown as a number between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the window’s U-value is, the less heat is transferred through it, meaning that it has better insulation. In turn, you should find windows with low U-values since you can optimize heating and cooling in your living space.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

The SHGC rating is another important factor to consider when shopping for windows. This rating indicates how much solar heat transfers into your home once it gets through the glass. It’s rated between 0 and 1, with lower ratings indicating that there’s less heat felt in your home. If you’re looking for windows that are great in tropical climates, then low SHGC windows are the best windows for you.

Hunterdon Roofing, Siding and Window Company is a leading provider of top-notch home improvement solutions in Lebanon, NJ and other neighboring areas. Our skilled staff installs and replaces windows, doors, siding, and more. Call us at (908) 503-5393 or fill out our convenient online form to schedule an appointment.