Texas Window Initiative
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What makes a window high performance?
- Does the window frame matter?
- Which windows are the best?
- Do high performance windows cost a lot more?
- Where can I find Energy StarŪ windows?
1. What makes a window high
performance?
Two of the most important things to consider when choosing windows for the Texas climate are the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-value. Windows with a low SHGC (0.40 or below) allow less direct solar radiation to pass through the window, meaning your house stays cooler in the Texas summer. Similarly, the U-value, the rate of heat that flows through the glass, should be low (0.75 or below) indicating the windows have good insulating properties. Windows equipped with low solar heat gain low-E glass offer the best performance.
2. Does the window frame matter?
Window frames that use low conductive materials like wood, vinyl and fiberglass are the best. However, it is the type of glass used that will make the greatest difference to the comfort of your home and the cost of your energy bills.
3. Which windows are the best?
Windows with the Energy Star® label are high performance windows that use less energy than other windows, lower your utility bills and help protect the environment. The Energy Star® program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Texas Windows Initiative is responsible for promoting Energy Star® windows in Texas.
4. Do high performance windows cost a lot more?
Windows with the Energy Star® label are twice as efficient as the average windows produced just ten years ago. It will be a lot less costly to keep your house comfortable with Energy Star® windows than with your old windows. If all households and businesses in the United States bought only these high performance windows, our national energy bill would be reduced by approximately $100 billion.
5. Where can I find Energy Star® windows?
Right here! Experts from the TWI have trained the window professionals in this store about the advantages of Energy Star® windows. They can tell you which Energy Star® window is best for your home.