If you live in a warm climate, your window selection could be the difference between a comfortable home and a home that feels like a furnace — not to mention that it will have a profound impact on your energy bills. To keep your home livable on even the most scorching days without spending an exorbitant amount on air conditioning, you’ll need to explore the best windows for hot climates. What frame materials, glass, and coatings work best in areas that experience high heat and humidity?
Choosing Windows for Warm Weather
Frames
High-quality windows are essential, so it’s best to choose products from reputable manufacturers with great reviews, many years of experience, and a reassuring warranty. Wood, vinyl, and aluminum frames typically work best in areas with warm weather, but they each have pros and cons:
- Wood: Wood is beautiful, weather-resistant, and a natural insulator. However, because it absorbs moisture, it expands and contracts over time. It’s also expensive, susceptible to rot and insect damage, and requires ongoing maintenance. It’s important to choose high-quality wood and treat it well for durable, energy-efficient windows.
- Vinyl: Vinyl is durable, affordable, and low-maintenance, and it can mimic the beauty of wood. The insulating space between the interior and exterior of the frame makes vinyl energy efficient. Although vinyl isn’t as strong as wood or aluminum, homeowners appreciate its versatility and ability to resist moisture, corrosion, and insects.
- Aluminum: Aluminum frames are durable, sturdy, long-lasting, and require little maintenance. They also won’t mold, rot, or warp due to bad weather, and their sleek and modern look appeals to many homeowners. However, aluminum windows can transfer heat from your home’s exterior to the interior. Look for aluminum frames with a thermal barrier separating the inside and outside of the frame to prevent this.
Panes
These days, double-pane and triple-pane windows are recommended for all climates because they offer maximum energy efficiency. Argon, krypton, and other gases are inserted between the layers of glass to act as insulators.
Glass
As you explore the best windows for hot climates, you’ll inevitably run into a few key terms that manufacturers use to rate their products:
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): SHGC measures how much solar heat comes through the window. You want it to be as low as possible.
- U-Factor: The U-Factor — also called the U-Value — measures the rate of heat flow through the window. Again, you want a lower number to optimize energy efficiency.
- Visible Transmittance (VT): VT measures how much natural light the window allows inside during the day. The higher the number, the more natural light.
Coatings
Look for Low-Emissivity glass, or Low-E glass, which is coated with a thin layer of metal oxide to help prevent heat transfer between window panes. It works by blocking out a large amount of ultraviolet and infrared light while allowing visible light to pass through. Low-E glass windows are becoming increasingly popular, especially in areas with warm climates, because they provide an effective barrier against UV light and heat. In cooler months, they can also reduce energy costs by keeping heat inside.
Energy Star
To make your shopping experience a little simpler, consider focusing on only Energy Star-certified windows. To earn this label, windows must meet certain performance criteria, so you can rest assured that you’re choosing a high-quality and energy-efficient product when you select an Energy Star window.
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Are you on the hunt for the best windows for hot climates? Contact American Window Company, and we’ll 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 that is committed to providing excellent workmanship 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.
