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Harnessing Passive Heating With Your Windows

If you are looking to renovate your home, consider incorporating large, south-facing windows. In doing so, you are harnessing solar power in your home. This is known as passive solar design, which uses the sun’s energy effectively without the aid of panels or other mechanical systems. In addition to windows, other building elements like walls and floors can help boost the efficient use of the sun’s heat.

Passive heating using windows

Window Placement

The placement of your home’s windows plays a crucial role in achieving passive heating for your home. Living in a warmer climate means the largest windows are reserved for the north-facing part of the house to reduce heat gain during summer while letting sunlight indoors.

Conversely, large windows should be placed on the south-facing side so they can draw heat during the winter months. When the summer comes, shading in the form of awnings or trees prevents certain rooms from becoming saunas.

The Best Windows for Passive Heating

Proper window orientation shouldn’t be the only thing to consider when considering passive solar design. You should also take the window features into account. For south-facing windows, for instance, choose those with low emissivity (low-E) glass coatings. Plus, make sure they have the appropriate solar heat gain coefficient (SGHC) and U-factor ratings suitable for your local area.

To help you make the right selection, get in touch with the experts at Renewal by Andersen® of St. Louis. We offer a wide array of high-quality replacement windows and doors, each one backed with an outstanding warranty. We can provide homeowners with a variety of options when it comes to the size, style and design of their new windows.

Call (314) 983-9977, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve Missouri homeowners, including those in Chesterfield and the surrounding communities.

Reviews

"The installation crew was very professional and answered what questions I had. And they cleaned up when they were finished. We're very pleased with our windows & patio doors. Highly recommend Renewl by Anderson."

Pamela D
Feb 13, 2023

"Very pleased with installation of six windows and a ProVia entry door. I love the look of the windows and door. I am pleased that my wife is thrilled with the look of the door. She is very pleased that the bronze color fits in well with the color of the brick."

Terry S
Feb 8, 2023

"I just had my Renewal by Andersen windows installed and couldn’t be happier, the entire process went very smoothly. The windows are high quality and look great. But the installers Roy, Zack and Jordan were the stars, they introduced themselves upon arrival walked me thru everything they were going to do and when they finished took me to each window to make sure I was completely satisfied. They were clean and courteous and I would definitely recommend and have them work in my home again."

BOB B
Feb 6, 2023

"Wonderful experience with knowledgeable, competent employees. We had Andersen windows in a previous house & didn’t even consider anything else this time. After replacing our patio door almost two years ago, we replaced all our windows this year. What a difference over builder-grade windows, especially in the really cold temperatures we’ve had this year. Andersen windows may be a little more expensive than other brands, but they are top quality."

Susan S
Jan 31, 2023

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