New California Windows: Best Choices for the Climate

New California Windows: Best Choices for the Climate

You don't wear a bikini in Antarctica or a ski suit in the Sahara. California windows need similar considerations to keep heat loss or gain to a minimum. For example:

• Coastal regions need seasonal shielding from afternoon sun, winter storms, and salty air.
• Windows in Sierra homes need to prevent heat loss.
• Desert homes' windows need to minimize heat gain.
• If windows in mild interior valleys are single pane, double pane windows will increase comfort and reduce energy costs.

Factor in the Compass

The way your home and windows are oriented to the sun greatly affects your home's thermal equilibrium. An ideal home would have few windows facing east and west, larger windows facing south, and no windows on the north. This takes advantage of the sun's seasonal arc across the sky. Your home is less comfortable if:

• You live in the Sierras and have a large north-facing windows. There will be little direct sun to offset heat loss.
• You live in the desert and most windows face east and west. Except for mid-day, heat pours into your home all day.
• You live on the coast and have big, west-facing windows. You have many hours of heat gain on sunny days, many hours of heat loss on rainy days.

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How to Get the Most Comfort From Your Window Replacement Choice

• Look for Energy Star ratings and possible tax credits
• Look for the lowest U-value (rate of heat transfer)
• Look for the highest R-value (resistance to heat heat transfer)
• Choose the window replacement type--wood, vinyl or aluminum clad, solid vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum that works best for your climate and sun orientation.