In climates such as southern and central Arizona, including Phoenix, replacement windows will make a perceptible improvement in the comfort level of your home and in your utility bills. On top of the benefits associated with energy and money savings, energy efficient replacement windows also improve the look of a home, make it quieter, allow less dust to enter a home, protect the interior (carpet, rugs, floors, furniture, window coverings, art, pictures) against fading caused by ultraviolet light, permit more light in and help reduce condensation on the windows.

Window Ratings
With more than 300 days of sunlight per year, how effectively a window prevents the heat and ultraviolet rays from the sun is very important. Energy Star windows are rated in five categories. The U-Factor and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient evaluate how much heat a window transfers and are the key rankings to focus on when shopping for replacement windows for a Phoenix home.

Solar Heat Gain
Solar heat gain represents the volume of the sun's energy that is transmitted through a window. The sun's heat is transmitted through the glass as well as the window frame and sash. The frame and sash can comprise 10-30% of the total area of a window so the frame construction is a critical factor. Windows utilize a number of techniques to prevent solar gain.

Low-E Coatings
Low-E coatings reduce the heat and ultraviolet rays which pass through a window. Low-E coatings are incredibly thin, invisible metal layers applied to the glass. High, medium and low solar gain variations of Low-E coatings are available on the market. To further reduce solar gain, many double pane windows include Low-E coatings on both pieces of glass.

Gas Fillings
The gap between the pieces of glass in double pane windows can be filled with gas (Argon gas or Krypton gas). This gap can be filled air or gas (Argon gas or Krypton gas). The gasses are heavier than air and make it more difficult for hot or cold air to pass between the panes. Krypton is the heavier of the two gasses and requires a narrower gap between the panes but is more expensive. The gasses are non-toxic so there is no health risk if a window is broken.

Window Frames
Vinyl windows frames have hollow spaces inside which can be filled with insulation to enhance their thermal performance. Aluminum transmits heat very well so aluminum windows posses poor thermal performance unless a thermal break is added. A material which transmits heat very poorly is positioned between the aluminum pieces on the inside and outside of the window to provide a thermal break.

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