Window Design For Hot Climate

For hot and desert climates in the southwest youll want to look for windows that have a low u factor number a low shgc number and a high vt number.

Window design for hot climate. Floor plans in hot and dry climates should always be open for maximum air flow from room to room. Design for climate requires that homes be designed or modified to ensure that the occupants remain thermally comfortable with minimal auxiliary heating or cooling in the climate where they are built. Low solar gain low emissive glasses reduce the incoming heat and form the best energy efficient windows for hot climates. Orient the home so that the main windows face away from the sun.

Choosing energy efficient windows try the pella sundefense. The best windows for hot humid climates are ones that are energy efficient. They have minimal maintenance. 030 or less the lower the better whole window shgc.

Hot and dry climate architecture. 028 037 the lower the better. A relatively basic double pane gas filled vinyl window should provide sufficient cold weather protection for homes in this climate. Models that are improperly sealed can cause heat and humidity to seep in resulting in a rise in temperature inside your home which will cause your air conditioner to work twice as.

For places with hot climates the low e coating needs to be applied to the inner side of the outermost pane. It minimizes the amount of heat transmitted into space in the hottest months while keeping heat inside during the cooler winter months. Considering air flow house design. How the air flows through the home will also be a serious consideration.

They wont fade chip dent or swell like wood does. In this region windows that block out solar heat will take a load off your air conditioning unit and your summer electric bill. South facing facades should utilize a window area appropriate to its orientation and glazing should utilize a double or triple paned glass with a low e coating. That way your window can let in the natural light while reducing solar heat compared to a window with a higher shgc.

Check to see that the home has high performance double paned low e windows. However when most people come home on a hot humid day they want to kick back and relax in a cool environment in their home. For hot humid climates consider using energy efficient models. Select a light colored roof to reflect sun light and insist on proper window and roof flashing.

To start vinyl windows dont rot like wood. Instead we know that high quality vinyl frames are the best option for our southern climate as well as other hot humid climates. Passive design working with the climate not against it is an important component as are energy efficient heating and cooling systems. Add drapes blinds shades andor landscaping to block sunlight.