When the temperatures drop, your windows are essential in keeping your home warm and your energy bills low. Not all windows are built to handle freezing temperatures, so knowing how to choose the best windows for cold climates can significantly impact their performance.
Finding the Best Windows for Cold Climates
The best windows for cold climates can insulate your home, even in freezing temperatures. The effectiveness of a window is affected by its frame type, glazing type, gas fills, and spacers.
Frame Material
Window frames contribute to overall energy efficiency. The material chosen for the frame can influence the insulating capacity and durability of the window:
- Vinyl: Vinyl is widely used due to its excellent insulation properties and low cost. It does not conduct heat, making it a good insulator for cold climates. Vinyl frames are also low-maintenance and resistant to moisture.
- Wood: Wood is a natural insulator, ideal for cold climates. However, wood requires more maintenance to protect it from moisture damage, including rot and warping. Keep this in mind if you live in a region that experiences frequent rain or snow.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is highly energy-efficient and performs well in cold climates. It is durable and provides good insulation, similar to vinyl, but with greater strength and durability. Fiberglass can handle extreme temperature changes without expanding or contracting much.
- Aluminum: While aluminum is strong and lightweight, it is a poor insulator because it easily conducts heat. In cold climates, aluminum frames should have thermal breaks (insulating layers) to reduce heat transfer.
Glass
As you look for the best windows for cold climates, you may see references to a window’s U-factor or solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) rating:
- U-Factor: A window’s U-factor expresses its insulation power. The lower the number, the better the insulation. Windows that perform best in cold climates will have a lower U-factor. As a rule of thumb, windows should have a U-factor of less than or equal to 0.30 in cold northern climates. In mixed northern or midwestern climates, the U-factor of a window should be less than or equal to 0.32.
- SHGC: A window’s solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) rating measures the amount of solar heat that can pass through a window. The higher the SHGC number, the more solar heat can pass through a window. Look for windows with a higher SHGC rating (between 0.30 and 0.60) in cold northern climates. In mixed northern or midwestern climates, windows with an SHGC of 0.40 or less can be beneficial.
Panes
The number of panes is another crucial factor in window performance. Today, double-pane and triple-pane windows are recommended for all climates because they offer superior energy efficiency and insulation power compared to single-pane windows.
Gas Fills
In double- or triple-pane windows, the space between the glass layers can be filled with insulating gases like argon or krypton to reduce heat transfer further. Because gas is denser than air, gas-filled windows improve insulation, thermal performance, and energy efficiency in cold climates. Argon is most commonly used for gas-filled windows. Krypton is more expensive and is usually only used in extreme temperatures or windows where the space is thin. All gas fill options are non-toxic, clear, inert, and odorless.
Spacers
Spacers are the components that separate the layers of glass in multi-pane windows and maintain space between them. Efficient spacer systems are critical in cold climates, as they provide a tight seal and can reduce heat loss, condensation, and water damage.
- Non-Metallic Spacers: These spacers efficiently reduce condensation and block heat and cold transfer, making them ideal for cold climates.
- Warm-Edge Spacers: Warm-edge spacers also perform well in cold weather, improving a window’s energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer at the edges and minimizing condensation.
- Metal Spacers: While metal spacers are common, they aren’t ideal for cold climates. Heat and cold pass quickly through metal, making it more challenging to prevent heat transfer, maintain interior temperatures, and avoid condensation.
Coatings
Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings are ideal for cold climates. They are thin, virtually invisible coatings that can be applied to the surface of single, double, or triple-paned windows to reduce heat transfer and energy loss further.
Energy Star Windows
As a rule of thumb, choosing windows with an Energy Star certification may simplify your shopping process. These windows meet strict performance standards, ensuring you’re choosing a high-quality, energy-efficient product that will perform well in your home.
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Are you looking for the best windows for a cold or mixed climate? American Window Company can help you find the perfect new windows for your home. Since 1999, we have offered an extensive collection of high-quality windows, doors, shutters, blinds, and more. We are a small, family-owned business committed to providing excellent quality and on-time installation. In addition, we are properly licensed and insured to protect our employees and provide our customers with peace of mind. For a free estimate or more information about our products and services, please contact us today.