What different types of windows are there? I live in Phoenix, windows aren't keeping heat out.?
Answers:
1) Single pane - This is essential a simple window. It is one pane of glazing and nothing else. Relying solely on these windows in Phoenix will not provide any significant insulation.
2) Double pane - With this window, two or more glazes are sealed along the edges, creating a vacuum between the glazes. This dead air space can then be filled with an insulative gas, like Argon. In principle, this is much like laying insulation into your walls. This gas will eventually escape, however, and over time the insulative value will be reduced. Therefore, these types of windows in Phoenix summer heat will provide limited insulation for a limited period of time.
3) Standard Low-E - Low-E (or low emissivity) windows involve a transparent metal coating that reflects out radiation trying to come in. The coating is set between two layers of glazing, in much the same way double-pane windows are constructed.
4) Low-E - These glazings carry two important improvements over the standard low-E window; First, they use the Super G Spacer System, which improves upon the seal between the two glazes. Second, argon gas is injected into the improved seal between the two glazes. These windows also use a Low-E coating, for a doubling of insulation in the window.
5) Heat Mirror SC 75 - An improvement over the low-e window concept, a heat mirror holds a low-e coated glaze inside the air space between two other glazes. The reflective insulation not only insulates, but also reduces ultraviolet light exposure as well as sound.
6) Smart-10 - This is the ultimate improvement upon the double pane design. These windows carry both the Double Super G Spacer System and a double seal in order to maintain the window's integrity. A heat mirror is also placed within the space of the window. Krypton gas is pumped into the two spaces that are created on either side of the heat mirror. This mixture of the heat mirror and insulation creates the ultimate insulation for a window in Phoenix.
Other answers:
a double-pane window has, obviously, two panes, with a gas, generally argon, inbetween to provide insulation. i'm not familiar with heat mirror, but you can get a film to but on the windows that cools the house and blocks UV rays.
hope this was helpful!
a double-pane window has, obviously, two panes, with a gas, generally argon, inbetween to provide insulation. i'm not familiar with heat mirror, but you can get a film to but on the windows that cools the house and blocks UV rays.
hope this was helpful!
double pane windows are more insulated, pocket of air in between the panes. If you want heat out, you'll have to block the sunlight from coming in or get a better A/C
not sure about heat mirror but double panes hav two panes of glass in the window the space between the glass is filled with an argon gas which helps keep out the elements. I live in minnesota and double panes are pretty much the standard here and do a very very good job keeping the cold winter air from getting in, i would think they would perform well in hot climates also.
Low-E glass is the kind that reflects back some of the heat. Also consider roll-up bamboo blinds on the outside of the windows, and thermal drapes on the inside.
I've spent time in Phx during the summer. When the overnight lows are in the high 90's, there is NOTHING that will keep the heat out.