5 Tips to Minimize Heat Loss Through Sunroom Windows
Tips for sunroom windows to increase insulation
Sunrooms are often referred to as ‘3-season rooms’ because it is difficult and costly to regulate the temperature within. Sunrooms windows are a source of energy loss in the winter and energy gain in the summer. Certain types of glass and tints can improve insulation and allow you to enjoy your Connecticut sunroom year round.
Several factors affect how well your sunroom insulates:
#1: The Installation
DIY sunroom kits exist, but the glass is usually sold separately and it is nearly impossible to achieve a perfect seal. Leaky windows are one of the main culprits of unwanted heat loss or gain. Connecticut sunroom additions require just as much skill as any other type of addition. Sunroom manufacturers like Oasis Sunrooms by Joyce and Harvey Building Products feature custom window and wall configurations with precisely fitted doors and windows to prevent leaks.
#2: The Type of Glass
As with all windows in Connecticut, the type of glass you choose affects its insulating performance. Sunroom windows come with many of the same options as other replacement windows ct.
Single-glazed glass provides the least amount of insulation and is not recommended if you intend to use your sunroom all year.
Double-glazed glass has two panes of glass with air or gas in between. Double, or triple paned glass provides superior insulation. Harvey and Oasis Sunrooms offer the option of double-paned insulated glass with insulated frames.
Sunroom windows with argon gas can further boost insulation. Argon is six times denser than air and can maintain a more stable temperature
Low-E Glass is another good option for ct windows. Low-E glass has a coating that reflects heat, but transmits light. Outdoor heat is reflected away in the summer and heat from the inside is reflected back in during the winter.
Tempered Glass, also known as ‘safety glass,’ is another common option for sunroom windows. Tempered glass crumbles into pebbles instead of breaking into sharp shards when broken. Tempered glass from Harvey Building Products comes with the same options as other sunroom windows, like Low-E coatings and Argon Gas.
We recommend double or triple paned glass with argon gas and Low-E coatings for Connecticut sunroom additions because the superior insulation they provide will help moderate temperature all year long so that you can get the most out of your Connecticut sunroom.
#3: Tints
Tinting your sunroom windows has several benefits. Tint film adds privacy, reduces the intensity of the sunlight, minimizes glare, adds security, and helps block fabric-fading UV rays. In terms of moderating temperature, tints work the in same way as Low-E coatings: they reflect the sun’s heat out and trap indoor heat in. You can choose from a wide range of tint levels depending on how much control you want. You may also want to consider security options to protect your home from storms, vandals, and burglars. Tints can be added to any existing ct windows so they are a good option if your window installation is already complete. They can also be installed during Connecticut sunroom additions.
#4: Location of the sunroom
A Connecticut sunroom on the east side of your home will receive the most sunlight in the morning. Morning sun is not as strong as afternoon sunlight. An east-facing sunroom is great if you like to start the day by enjoying some sunshine and want to prevent over-heating in the summer. If you plan to use your sunroom as a multi-purpose family room with a TV, this is a good location for the purpose of limiting harsh glare. Depending on the use, it may require heating in the winter so choosing double or triple glazed windows with argon gas and low-e coatings is highly recommended!
Sunroom windows on the south side of your home will receive the most sunlight throughout the day. If you want your sunroom to be as sunny as possible, this is your best bet. Solar heat gain also helps maintain comfortable temperatures in the winter. Summer sun strikes the south side of your home at a much steeper angle than it does in the winter. An overhang engineered accordingly can block direct sunlight in the summer to limit solar heat gain without blocking shallow winter rays. The same effect can be achieved with interior shades or blinds. Passive solar energy home
North-facing Connecticut sunroom additions are probably the least common because the north side of the home is mostly shaded, especially in the winter. A north-facing sunroom wouldn’t really be a sunroom at all. Heat-gain in the summer would be minimal, but there would be no solar heat gain in the winter. North-facing sunrooms need to be heated in the winter so choosing energy-efficient glass would be particularly important.
West-facing sunrooms are also less common because of the harsh glare from the afternoon sun. Some people do select west-facing sunrooms to enjoy the sunset, but they can get toasty in the afternoon, especially in the summer. Choosing appropriate tints can help minimize glare and unwanted heat gain.
#5 The frame:
Vinyl frames are good insulators, plus they are durable and low-maintenance. We recommend vinyl over wood for Connecticut sunroom additions because wood is prone to rotting in humid climates like ct. The same goes for doors: Harvey vinyl patio doors and Therma-Tru Smooth-Star doors are excellent insulators and can withstand Connecticut temperature and humidity fluctuations. For more information, check out Therma Tru Doors Reviews and information from Oasis Sunrooms by Joyce
Connecticut sunrooms can be enjoyed throughout the year and choosing energy-efficient windows can help reduce or eliminate the need to heat. Connecticut sunroom additions can serve many purposes and allow you to enjoy the outdoors from within. Sunrooms even benefit your health and improve your mood! We at Fiderio & Sons can advise you on the best location for your sunroom and help you design a room that meets your needs. See the guide below to start planning and check out our portfolio for inspiration. Feel free to call or visit our Meriden showrom to ask us anything about your ct windows!
