Double pane windows are the most common type of house window, and they typically have a hollow space between two panes of glass. The hollow space is filled with argon gas to improve insulation. Double pane windows can reduce heat transfer by up to 24%, making them one of the best materials for hot weather.
Double-Pane and Triple-Pane Windows
For significantly enhanced efficiency, argon, krypton, and other gases are utilized between glass panes as insulators. Such gases are denser than air, so they provide more effective insulation and better window energy saving.
Low-E glass stands for low emissivity glass. It has a coating that helps block out a substantial portion of ultraviolet (UV) light and infrared (IR) light, while allowing the majority of visible light to pass through. Controlling and blocking IR light lessens the passage of heat through your window.
Block the heat
Shade windows and walls using external coverings, like blinds, awnings or large potted plants. Plant deciduous trees that cast shade over your home in summer, but still let the sun shine through in winter.
Aerogel is more expensive, but definitely the best type of insulation. Fiberglass is cheap, but requires careful handling. Mineral wool is effective, but not fire resistant. Cellulose is fire resistant, eco-friendly, and effective, but hard to apply.
But if you're after natural room cooling without air conditioning in the summer, we say go for bow windows. The beauty of this window style is that they can be composed of either six casement style windows or double-hung windows, significantly boosting airflow inside the house.
Low-E double-glazed or triple-glazed windows with argon gas between the panes provide the best option for blocking heat. These insulated low-E glass units prevent radiant heat transfer throughout the different window panes, keeping even more heat out in summer and in during winter.
Close and cover windows during the day or add window insulation. drapes over them when the sun is shining. White or reflective lining in drapes increases their ability to block out heat. Reflective coatings on windows themselves can also minimize heat transfer through the glass.
The amount of air and light that awning windows let in is significantly greater than most window types. These windows offer superior ventilation and are considered to be the highest performing on the market, much like the Marvin® Windows we install.
Make your bed a haven of chill with fans, extra airflow, and low light. Stay on lower levels in your home and minimize heat from electronics and ovens. Opt for light clothing, bedding, pillows, and mattress pads to keep things cooler.
How do windows lose heat? Radiation through glazing occurs is when the inner panes of glass absorb the heat generated from the internally is transmitted to the cooler outside pane via conduction. Convection inside the glazing cavity can cause heat loss when air within the cavity is warmed by the inner pane.
To ensure optimal cooling with a window fan, the US Department of Energy suggests putting it in a window where the wind is blowing away from the house. This helps pull the hot air out of your home.
"Generally, when it is really hot outside it is a good idea to keep windows closed during the daytime, as you don't want the hot external air to come into the house warming it up," she explained. "However, after the sun goes down, the outside air will start to cool down.
You can have fans blowing out of the windows on the upper level to exhaust the warm air trapped there, says Chris Regan, an engineer and CR tester of AC units. And when the outside temperature starts to drop, you can pair that with fans blowing inward in shadier rooms to maximize the airflow in your home.
After searching the internet, I found that polystyrene or Styrofoam is still good at keeping things cold. Finally, I asked the manager at the local convenience store. He said that Styrofoam coolers are one of his most popular products. Styrofoam is the best insulator for preventing ice from melting.
Insulators: Non-metal objects are used to slow down the transfer of heat. Different materials are better insulators than others. Good insulators include: wood, cloth, Styrofoam, cork, and plastic. (Glass and air also act as insulators.)
The results showed that cotton fabric absorbed the least amount of heat. The synthetic fabric, polyester, absorbed the most heat. This information about fabric content and heat absorption could be useful in choosing clothing for comfort in different seasons.
First, check for these common problems: Dirty air filter—A dirty filter restricts airflow, not letting your home get enough cool air. Closed vents—Closed vents in rooms can cause them to be hotter than other rooms. Open windows—Your conditioned air can flow out of open windows, leaving uneven temperatures in your home.
Insufficient Insulation
Sufficient insulation is necessary when it comes to keeping cool air in and warm air out in the summer. If areas of your home are poorly insulated, you'll likely notice that area is warmer in the summer and colder in the winter compared to the rest of your home.
Placing a fan in a room will disrupt that balance and can force the cooler air to go where you want it to be. However, fan placement matters. Place your fan so that it faces the opposite wall from where most of the activity takes place in your space.