Install windows and skylights that lower solar heat gain in hot climates
Keep sunny rooms from overheating by using windows and skylights with low solar heat gainIncrease in the amount of heat in a space, including heat transferred from outside (in the form of solar radiation) and heat generated within by people, lights, mechanical systems, and other sources. See heat loss. coefficients (SHGCSolar heat gain coefficient. The fraction of solar gain admitted through a window, expressed as
a number between 0 and 1.).
These range from 0 to 1. A value of 0 blocks all the sun's energy–lower SHGCs are better for warm climates because they lower air-conditioning costs. A value of 1 means that none of the sun’s energy is blocked by the window. Higher SHGCs are better for homes in cold climates because more solar heat gets through, which reduces heating costs.
South-facing windows with high-SHGC values, shaded from summer sun, allow passive solar heating in winter. Windows on the east, west, and even north tend to get direct sunlight mostly in the summer, when solar gain is not desirable.
Green points
LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify.
: Up to 3 points for windows whose NFRC ratings substantially exceed Energy StarLabeling system sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy for labeling the most energy-efficient products on the market; applies to a wide range of products, from computers and office equipment to refrigerators and air conditioners. requirements (EA 4).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions.
/ICC-700: Meeting Energy Star requirements is mandatory; up to 12 points for windows with enhanced performance (703.3.1).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
Sun: Passive Heating and Daylighting
Further Resources
Profiled in our Product Guide
