solar heat gain coefficient Archives - Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:06:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 /wp-content/uploads/2021/03/favicon.png solar heat gain coefficient Archives - Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia 32 32 Why You Should Pay Attention to Your Window’s SHGC /blog/why-you-should-pay-attention-to-your-windows-shgc/ /blog/why-you-should-pay-attention-to-your-windows-shgc/#respond Wed, 20 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000 /?p=14339 When considering window replacement or installation, one critical factor that shouldn’t be overlooked is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of your windows. SHGC is a measure of the solar radiation admitted through a window. It either gets absorbed and subsequently releases heat inside the building or directly transmits heat inward. Lower SHGC values signify […]

The post Why You Should Pay Attention to Your Window’s SHGC appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

]]>

When considering window replacement or installation, one critical factor that shouldn’t be overlooked is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of your windows. SHGC is a measure of the solar radiation admitted through a window. It either gets absorbed and subsequently releases heat inside the building or directly transmits heat inward. Lower SHGC values signify less solar heat transmission, which can be particularly beneficial in warmer climates to reduce cooling costs. In cooler climates, however, opting for a higher SHGC can help leverage natural sunlight for warming the interior, thus reducing heating costs.

Understanding SHGC and Its Importance

SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The closer the value is to 0, the less solar heat the window transmits, and vice versa. This metric is essential for assessing how well your windows will perform in terms of energy efficiency, potentially impacting your home’s overall heating and cooling expenses. It’s not just about keeping your indoor temperature at a comfortable level; it’s also about maximizing the energy efficiency of your home to reduce utility bills over time.

The Role of SHGC in Energy Efficiency

Choosing the correct SHGC rating for your windows can significantly enhance your home’s energy efficiency. In colder regions, a higher SHGC is preferable as it allows more solar heat to pass through, providing free heat during the winter months. Conversely, in hotter areas, a window with a lower SHGC rating is ideal to prevent excessive heat from entering, thereby minimizing the reliance on air conditioning systems. It’s all about finding the right balance to enhance comfort while being mindful of energy consumption.

SHGC and Climate Consideration

Climate plays a pivotal role in deciding the SHGC ratings that would best suit your home. For homeowners in British Columbia, for instance, evaluating the local climate throughout the year is crucial when selecting windows. The goal is to optimize your windows to contribute to your home’s thermal comfort and energy efficiency, taking into account both the cold winters and relatively warm summers the region experiences.

SHGC Ratings and Window Technology

Advancements in window technology allow for a wide array of windows with varying SHGC ratings without compromising other essential factors like visibility and natural light entry. Low-E coatings, for example, play a significant role in modifying the SHGC by reflecting certain wavelengths of light while allowing others to pass through. This technology enables homeowners to enjoy the benefits of natural light while controlling heat gain and loss.

The Impact of SHGC on Your Energy Bills

Understanding and selecting the appropriate SHGC ratings for your windows can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bills. By optimizing the amount of solar heat admitted through your windows, you can reduce the demand on your heating and cooling systems throughout the year. This not only leads to cost savings but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly home by reducing your energy consumption.

Take Action for Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Are you ready to optimize your home’s energy efficiency with windows that have the ideal SHGC rating for the Delta, BC environment? Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia is here to guide you through the selection process to ensure your windows are perfectly suited to your home’s specific climate needs. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you maximize comfort and energy savings.

Contact us today at (604) 200-1025 or fill out our online form to learn more about how the right SHGC ratings for your windows can make a profound difference in your home’s energy efficiency and comfort levels. Let us help you make informed decisions that pay off both immediately and in the long run.

The post Why You Should Pay Attention to Your Window’s SHGC appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

]]> /blog/why-you-should-pay-attention-to-your-windows-shgc/feed/ 0 How do I Know if my Windows are ENERGY STAR® Certified? /blog/how-do-i-know-if-my-windows-are-energy-star-certified/ /blog/how-do-i-know-if-my-windows-are-energy-star-certified/#respond Thu, 14 Jul 2022 18:06:45 +0000 /?p=12929 ENERGY STAR® windows are independently tested, certified, and verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) to make sure they meet strict energy efficiency ratings. ENERGY STAR® windows are more efficient than conventional single-pane glass, reducing utility bills and carbon footprint. The ENERGY STAR® symbol is an internationally recognized and trusted mark of high efficiency—these windows are about 20% more energy […]

The post How do I Know if my Windows are ENERGY STAR® Certified? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

]]> ENERGY STAR® windows are independently tested, certified, and verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) to make sure they meet strict energy efficiency ratings. ENERGY STAR® windows are more efficient than conventional single-pane glass, reducing utility bills and carbon footprint. The ENERGY STAR® symbol is an internationally recognized and trusted mark of high efficiency—these windows are about 20% more energy efficient than the average window.

What is tested?

  • U-factor: a measure of the rate of heat loss
  • R-value: a measure of how well a specific type of insulation can resist heat flow
  • Visible transmittance (VT): a measures of how much light passes through glass
  • Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): a measure of how much heat enters through the glass from the sun
  • Condensation resistance rating (CR): a measure of how well the window prevents condensation from forming on its inside surface
  • Air leakage rating (AL): a measure of how much air leakage is in and around the frame of a window or patio door

What do I look for?

ENERGY STAR® certified windows have a sticker. The sticker has product identification information printed on it including the manufacturer’s name, model number, testing metrics such as U-factor, certification number, as well as the blue ENERGY STAR® logo. This permanent label should be visible on the outside of the window, near the hardware. There may also be a National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label with five numerical ratings on it.

What if there’s no sticker?

In rare cases, you may not see a sticker on your window because it was installed before ENERGY STAR® certifications were required for windows. In this case, you can contact the manufacturer directly to find out if your windows meet this criteria. You can also look online at the manufacturer’s website or marketing materials for the ENERGY STAR® logo.

Are Renewal by Andersen’s windows energy-efficient?

Yes! Renewal by Andersen displays the NFRC label on all of its windows. This label means that the entire window, not just the glass, has been rated and certified. All of our window frames are made from exclusive Fibrex® material, greatly limiting thermal transmittance. In addition, Renewal by Andersen is also listed as a retailer of ENERGY STAR® certified products on the nrcan.gc.ca website.

Lastly, because our windows are fully customizable, you can choose from different types of high-performance Low-E4® glass or enhanced triple pane windows. Select Renewal by Andersen windows with enhanced triple pane glass were designated as one of the Most Efficient ENERGY STAR® certified products in 2021.

We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River. Give us a call today and schedule your free consultation with our team of experts.

The post How do I Know if my Windows are ENERGY STAR® Certified? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

]]> /blog/how-do-i-know-if-my-windows-are-energy-star-certified/feed/ 0