What type of windows?
Question:I'm enclosing a 10' x 25' screened porch, when finished it will have (1) set of either french doors or sliding glass doors, 3 - 4 windows & will be air conditioned.
This room faces south east, so it gets A LOT of direct sun, is very hot, & I'm concerned about making it energy efficient since it will be cooled by a window type A/C unit. As much as I would love to spring for low-e, double-paned, tinted windows...cost is a factor.
So here's my question; with the above scenario, how do I get the most "bang for the buck" in regards to windows? My brother-in-law changed out all his windows to the most energy efficient available & was not impressed with the savings on his utility bill. There is a big cost difference in what features you get, & seeing as how this is already a very hot room, I don't want to spend a fortune cooling it.
So while trying to keep costs down, should I get low-e? Tinted? Double-paned? Or all of the above?
Answers:
Since your addition will face the south east, your morning and early afternoon heat gain will be excessive. If you have shading from tree canopy that would be preferred. natural shading is aesthetically better in most cases.
Your latitude is important to know. If you are in the south east, Texas or AZ, NV etc. the utility cooling costs will be excessive. Further north, the issue will reverse itself in the winter months.
If you have the cash. .then Low E Squared Glass would be my recommendation. If you are frugal, than you should consider a spectrally selective type window film like Vista 38 or a Ceramic - nano-ceramic- day-lighting type window film , Huper Optik 50 or 40 ( Southern climate)
You will reduce your cooling costs by 1/3- keep your views , cut almost 100% of the UV and improve shatter resistance of the glass.
You can locate a Vista Dealer by checking http://www.vista-films.com and a Huper Optik provider at http://www.huperoptikusa.com
Double paned, tinted, low-E, argon filled will give the best insulation.
However, if only one go for the tinted, unless you need protection from the cold as well.
If cold will be a factor then double- pane.
Low E is as common as storm windows were 30 years ago. I would get the low e and also get FROM the manufacturer a film on the windows that THEY recommend. You do this for all warranty's and the responsibility goes on them.
If you put cheap windows in it will be a greenhouse. Get double pane for sure. Low e adds about 10% to the cost. If you go to a large window shop they usually have a bone yard with windows that were misordered or never picked up and they sell them at a discount. Another way to help with the heat is to make a larger overhang to give you more shade.
How about approaching the problem from a different direction.
Install the desired windows, ditch the AC and install a nice ceiling fan or two. You may be suprised in the cost savings down the road.
Also, the overhang is a very good idea!
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