Technical Terms, Windows, Wholesale Home Improvements

Technical Terms

Are you unfamiliar with the terms of your new windows? Refer to this handy glossary to determine what those terms mean.

ARGON GAS

Used to insulate double pane glass, argon is a safe, colorless, odorless, non-toxic, inert atmospheric gas. Used in Europe since the early 1970's, argon enhances the energy efficiency of windows. The maximum benefit is only achieved when used in conjunction with the Low-E glass. It dramatically improves a window's insulating ability with a U-factor 50% better than clear insulated glass and 13% better than insulated glass with Low-E glass only. Argon improves a window's condensation resistance factor (CRF), resulting in a warmer inside glass surface and reduced potential for condensation. argon filled glass units also reduce sound transmission by three to four decibels compared to a unit without Argon.

U-FACTOR

A measure of the non-solar heat flow through a window and only one of the three measurements experts use in evaluating a window's performance. It is also calculated in decimal from 0.0 to 1.0. Low-E glass and Argon gas configurations are advisable in most regions of the United States to reduce the U-Factor of new windows. In order to qualify for the 2009 federal tax credit, windows must have a U-Factor of .30 or less.

Home Page
Energy Tax Credit
Our Products
Windows 101
Siding 101
About WHI
Technical Terms
Contact Us

NORTH DENVER

SOUTH DENVER

EAST DENVER

WEST DENVER

LOW-E GLASS

Low emissivity, or Low-E glass has a thin metallic coating applied to the glass in a vacuum chamber. Low-E reflects radiant and solar heat back to their sources. This results in interior heat being reflected back into the house during winter and exterior heat reflected away in the summer. Combined with Argon gas, Low-E glass significantly reduces solar gains that reduce air conditioning loads and reduce energy bills. Low-E also helps block ultraviolet rays limiting fading of carpets, furniture and drapes.

R-VALUE

A measure of thermal resistance used to determine how well material resists the flow of heat through it. The higher the value, the more heat is reflected away from the material and how much heat is retained, an especially good value to have with windows.

SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT (SHGC)

The solar heat gain coefficient refers to the amount of heat that radiates through the window from the outdoors. It is calculated in decimal form from 0.0 to 1.0. The lower the SHGC the better the windows are at limiting the sun's solar energy. In order to qualify for the 2009 federal tax credit, the windows must have a SHGC of.30 or less.

VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE

The measure of the amount of visible light entering a room. Similar to SHGC and U-Factor it is measured in decimal from 0.0 to 1.0. The higher the value the more natural light enters a room. Lower visible transmission glasses can result in darker rooms requiring more artificial lighting.

An example of a certified National Fenestration Rating Council label Note: the value of this example would not qualify for the tax credit www.nfrc.org

Why Pay More?

303-887-9955

303-748-9485

303-887-9960

303-601-2715