A home in Florida needs different windows than a home in Illinois. Factors such as temperature, windiness, and rainfall all stem the need for unique window solutions. 

It’s good to have climate top-of-mind when purchasing a window because choosing a window designed for the wrong climate can lead to some undesirable outcomes. Your energy-bill will be higher than necessary and your house will constantly be hot or too cold! 

So, to avoid overpaying the utility companies (and walking around with a blanket), let’s look into the window requirements for every climate type. 

Warm and Sunny 

For warm and sunny climates you’ll want to look at windows with a low emissivity. Emissivity refers to the extent a material radiates energy. Choosing a low emissivity means that your windows will reflect rather than absorb sunlight. As you look, emissivity is indicated by E-score, on a scale of 0-1. 

Vinyl framing is also helpful in sunny areas. The PVC interacts really well with the UV rays the sun emits and is a great material for preventing heat from entering the house. 

Mostly Cold

For colder climates, the objective is to keep the heat in. This will make room temperature more comfortable and also save you money on electric bills. 

The indicator you’ll be looking for is the U-score. You’ll want windows with a high U-score. It measures the rate of heat transfer and insulation. A low score, say .25, means the window insulates well. A higher score, such as 1.25, means heat can be lost easily. So, you’ll want to find a window with a low score. 

Additionally, clad wood frames are both durable enough to handle window storms and do a good job with insulation.

Often Humid and Rainy

If you live in a humid and rainy environment, you’ll need a window that’s resistant to fog and moisture. Condensation on the windows is more than an annoyance. Windows that allow moisture affect the walls beneath them and even the furniture inside by increasing the chance of mold and mildew. 

To keep moisture at bay, look for windows that score high on insulation measures. As for frames, composite frames are great for resisting humidity. 

Lots of Wind 

It’s the windows themselves that are threatened in particularly windy areas. If the wind is strong enough, it can break the windows by itself, but more commonly, debris carried with the wind damages windows. 

To avoid this, consider tempered glass and casement windows. Tempered glass undergoes a tempering process that changes its properties. This process accomplishes two things: One, it makes the glass stronger than regular glass, and second, it prevents the glass from breaking into sharp pieces if it does break. Casement windows are attached to the frame by one or more hinges on the side. They have an airtight seal, are resistant to winds, and are also energy efficient. 

American Window Products Can Help You Pick The Right Window 

Picking the right window for your climate is an easy way to save money. The United States Department of Energy estimates that choosing an energy efficient window can save you between $126-$465 a year! Also, on average, the cost of replacing a window ranges from $100-$650. Understanding the attributes that you need a window to have can help you get it right the first time and avoid replacement costs. 

At American Windows Products, we have 16 different window manufacturers which provide over 80 different models to suit not only your needs but your personal taste and home’s architectural style as well. We offer custom solutions and energy efficient rated windows. 

If you have any questions, our experts are happy to answer them, contact us today!