What is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) for Replacement Windows?

The solar heat gain coefficient, commonly abbreviated as SHGC and alternatively known as “passive solar gain” is a measurement of the solar radiation (heat from the sun) that is transmitted through a window unit. The SHGC takes into consideration both the heat that is directly transmitted through a window and the heat that is absorbed by the window and later released inward. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is the organization that measures and verifies the SHGC ratings for replacement windows and doors in the United States. The SHGC, which must appear on the manufacturer labels of all Energy Star 6.0 certified products, is expressed as a fraction between 0 and 1. Most energy-efficient replacement windows that are on the market these days have an SHGC of about 0.25 to 0.35. The lower a window’s SHGC is, the less solar radiation will be able to pass through it, so, generally speaking, the closer the SHGC is to zero, the better. However, in colder climates, solar heat passing through a window can actually help to warm up a home, so higher SHGC values are often sought after by homeowners in such regions.

Trust American Home Design for High-Performing Replacement Windows

American Home Design has been serving homeowners in Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding areas since 1977, providing top-notch products and expert installation. Our product specialists are well-versed in Energy Star 6.0 ratings such as Solar Heat Gain Coefficients, U-values, and more, and can help you determine which replacement windows would be most ideal for your home, given your individual needs, style preferences, and target budget.

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To learn more about the energy-efficient replacement windows that we install for homeowners throughout the Nashville area, contact American Home Design today.

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