The heat coming from windows can make several homes uncomfortable and people inside upset. The intensity of this issue increases, especially during the summer months when the warmth from the sun is at its peak. But have you wondered why this happens?
It is because heat is transferred through conduction, convection, and radiation that keeps the windows warm. Additionally, the type of window material, location, and sunlight can all affect the heat entering your home. However, the amount of transfer of this heat that enters your home through your windows can be reduced using practical solutions such as window screens, shading devices, and appropriate insulation.
This article will explain the causes of hot windows and some practical ways to reduce heat entering your home.
Heat Transfer Through Windows
Before hovering over the solution to reduce heat, it is crucial to understand the basic cause of heat transfer. It will help us better understand why windows get hot during the summer. There are three mechanisms to transfer heat.
These processes are called conduction, convection, and radiation in scientific terms.
Heat transfer through conduction occurs through a solid object, such as a window, which acts as a heating medium. Meanwhile, heat transfer through a liquid or a gas, such as the air outside your home, is called convection.
Lastly, radiation is the heat transfer through electromagnetic waves, such as the heat from the sun.
All three processes take place in windows to transfer heat to the room, so windows get hot. During the summer, the sun’s radiation passes through the windowpane and heats the air inside your home.
This heat is then transferred through conduction to the window frame and into your home. The air outside also contributes to the transfer of heat through convection.
As hot air rises, it creates a pressure differential that draws in cooler air from the lower part of the room, which then gets heated up and rises, creating a cycle that further warms up the room.
Window Materials And Their Impact On Heat Transfer
The type of material used in your windows can also impact the amount of heat entering your home. Single-pane windows are the least effective at blocking heat transfer, as they are made from a single sheet of glass with no insulating layers.
Single-pane windows are the least effective at blocking heat transfer, as they are made from a single sheet of glass with no insulating layers.
On the other hand, double-pane windows have two glass panes with a layer of insulating gas in between, which helps reduce the amount of heat that can pass through. Triple-pane windows are even more effective, as they have three glass panes with two layers of insulating gas in between.
Another factor to consider is the coating type applied to the glass. Low emissivity coating reflects heat outside while allowing visible light to pass through. It helps to reduce the heat that enters your home.
Additionally, tinted windows can also be effective, as they reduce the amount of visible light that enters your home. Thereby reducing the amount of heat that can be transferred through radiation.
Window Positioning And Sunlight Exposure
The orientation of your windows and the amount of sunlight exposure they receive can also impact the heat entering your home.
South-facing windows receive the most amount of sunlight throughout the day. Meanwhile, north-facing windows will receive the least amount of sunlight. East-facing windows will receive morning sunlight, while west-facing windows will receive afternoon sunlight.
If you live in a place where the climate is generally warm, you may want to consider placing trees or other shading devices near south- and west-facing windows to block the sunlight and reduce the heat entering your home.
Alternatively, you can install window treatments such as blinds, shades, or curtains to block the sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
Solutions To Reduce Heat Transfer
Homeowners can use several strategies to lessen the heat that comes in through their windows. The installation of window film is one remedy.
A thin layer of polyester or another material is placed on the window surface as window film. By reflecting sunlight outdoors, it can aid in reducing the heat that enters your home.
Various kinds of window film exist, including low-E, tinted, and reflecting varieties. While tinted films lessen the visible light entering your home, reflective films reflect sunlight outdoors. Low-E coatings are made to allow visible light to flow through while reflecting heat outside.
Installing outside shade structures like awnings or overhangs is another option. The amount of heat that radiation can deliver is decreased since these devices can block the sun before it even reaches your windows.
Overhangs and awnings are made of different materials, including metal, wood, fabric, and vinyl. They come in many designs and colors to fit your home’s facade and can be fixed or retractable.
Blinds, shades, or drapes can block the sunlight during the warmest times of the day, making them efficient interior shading devices. Their draping accessories have various designs, hues, and materials to suit your interior style. A remote or smart home connection can control them manually or mechanically.
Consider purchasing double- or triple-pane windows with low-E coatings if you want to replace your windows.
Although these windows can cost more than single-pane windows, they can save you a lot of money on energy costs by limiting the amount of hot air that enters your home in the summer and the amount of cold air that leaves during the winter.
Moreover, double- or triple-pane windows are also available in different materials. It includes vinyl, wood, and fiberglass and can be made to complement the style of your hose.
Conclusion
For many homeowners, the heat from windows can be a source of discomfort and annoyance. However, you can reduce the heat that enters your home through windows by understanding the science of heat transfer, the effects of window material and orientation, and the available practical remedies.