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.
Low-E Window Glass for Energy Efficiency
Low emissive, known as Low-E glass, is used to increase the energy efficiency of windows and doors. This glass is coated with a layer of metallic oxide material, which helps prevent the transfer of heat between the glass panes.
Low-E Windows
Low-E glass helps block both ultraviolet and infrared light, but lets in the visible light. Infrared light is associated with heat energy. By blocking it out, Low-E windows help keep the heat from the sun from entering your home.
As mentioned, double glazed windows are the best option for reducing heat loss in the home, since their air gaps create an additional layer of insulation.
Casement windows are good choices because they can direct cool breezes into the home when opened. High-quality double hung and awning windows with tight seals also work well to keep the cool air in when closed.
Double-Hung Windows
It also delivers superior ventilation by partially opening both of its sashes to create two openings. To get the most room cooling effect, you can also install additional awning windows on top of your double-hung windows.
Open all the windows on the north side of your house
The north side of your house usually receives little to no direct sunlight, so it is recommended that you open these windows to allow cooler air to circulate within the home.
Open windows on opposite sides of a room or building
If there's not much of a breeze, then you can use fans to help: use one fan by a shaded window pulling in cooler air from outside; use another fan on the sunny side to push hot air out of your home.
Double-pane (also called dual-pane) windows come with two panes of glass that are separated by air, opposed to the traditional single pane. Double-pane windows can not only keep you warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer, but they can also reduce your electricity bill.
Among all window types, casement windows provide the most control in terms of ventilation direction and intensity. According to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, since casement window sashes can be opened into an airstream, breezes that pass by can be directed into a certain area or room.
"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.
The trick is to use the right type of window shades to block the heat and to install them as close to the glass as possible to get the maximum benefit. For insulation purposes, cellular or honeycomb shades are the most effective. The honeycomb shape helps to trap air, reducing your solar heat gain.
In warmer months, three-quarters of the sunlight that shines through standard, double-pane windows enters the house to become heat. Adding window treatments, fixing broken and leaky windows, and choosing new, Low-E glass window panes designed to reduce heat gain can keep you comfortable with less wasted power.
Yes. Emergency management agencies specifically recommend using “aluminum foil-covered cardboard” between windows and drapes to reflect heat back outside.
The short answer is yes – blackout blinds block sunlight, making them one of the best ways to keep a room cool. Keep your blinds closed all day and you'll find there's a noticeable difference in room temperature – and the more sunlight your blinds block out, the cooler the room will be.
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.
We most often think that it's always better to open the windows when it's hot, but it's not. Sometimes, the air outside your home can even be warmer than the air inside your home. Opening the windows simply lets cool air escape and hot air to enter, resulting in hotter interiors.
She explained: "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. "However, after the sun goes down, the outside air will start to cool down.
CASEMENT WINDOWS
These windows can be hinged left or hinged right (as viewed from the outside) and are operated with a roto- gear and crank. Casement windows provide almost 100% ventilation area, because they can be fully opened and the out-swinging sash can direct plenty of air into the building.
To enjoy maximum ventilation, casement windows are your best bet. They consist of one sash that cranks open completely. This design allows them to direct and control drafts effectively, as you can utilize 100% of the window opening to expel stale indoor air.
Bow Windows
The final option generally considered best for ventilation purposes is the bow window. Bow windows are the largest of the three window types discussed today. Bow windows consist of three or more casement windows that are angled outwards in a curved manner coming out of the house.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Replacing your windows with double-pane windows or choosing Energy Star-certified products can increase your potential energy savings. In fact, Energy Star states that upgrading from single-pane to Energy Star double-pane windows helps you save an average of $101–$583 annually.
While triple-pane windows cost a little more than single- and double-pane windows, they offer many benefits. Energy-efficient triple-pane windows help reduce sound and energy costs. Pella triple-pane windows allow for increased energy efficiency while blocking 86 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Double pane windows
The average double pane window will reflect 90% of energy and only let 10% through. As an example, on a warm day, 90% of the heat from the sun will stay outside, with only 10% sneaking inside. Conversely, on a chilly day, 90% of the heat inside your home will stay inside, with 10% leaking out.