A sunroom can be the ideal addition to your home. It provides a space to unwind, entertain guests and take in the natural splendor all year round.
When selecting windows for your sunroom, there are several key factors to take into account: energy efficiency, UV filtration and ventilation.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an effective tool to reduce pollution, conserve energy and protect the planet from climate change. Not only that, but it can also save money on utility bills so it’s beneficial to look into ways to enhance your home’s energy performance as much as possible.
Energy efficient windows primarily do the same thing a standard double-paned window does: regulate air and light entering your home while reducing heat transfer between indoor and outdoor temperatures. However, some models offer additional features which make them more energy-efficient than others.
Comparing windows is often done by looking for products certified by the ENERGY STAR program. This label indicates that the window has been tested and rated for its energy efficiency, helping you save money on monthly utility bills.
The NFRC rating system measures window performance through computer simulations and physical testing. Certified laboratories of the NFRC measure and simulate the thermal performance of windows, including their frame, spacer and glass. Subsequently, independent licensed inspection agencies randomly pull units from factories for physical verification to confirm that these computer simulations were correct.
Many windows today are designed to be more energy efficient than they once were. For instance, some manufacturers now include insulating gases between the panes of glass. Furthermore, Low-E coatings reflect heat rather than absorb it, helping keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Another feature to consider when shopping for windows is their Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). A lower SHGC rating indicates that the window absorbs and transmits less solar heat than one with a higher rating, helping you cut back on cooling needs in summer and reduce air conditioner usage during cold months.
Finding an energy-efficient window can be simple when you know what to look for. A great place to start is by checking for windows with either ENERGY STAR certification or an NFRC rating.
UV Filtration
All-season room windows can be equipped with UV filtering films to protect them from ultraviolet rays and reduce skin cancer risks. These films will block 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, keeping your family protected against skin cancer and other serious health issues.
Window films come in an array of colors, patterns and tints. Clear options allow light to pass through while blocking out harmful UV rays so you can enjoy your outdoors view without blocking out sunlight.
UV rays from the sun can do extensive damage to furniture, floors and other interior surfaces. By installing protective film on your windows, you can help keep these objects from fading too quickly and extend their usefulness.
UV filtering systems can be installed on any glass surface that needs protection from the sun, such as insulated glazing, vinyl windows and plastic window frames. Not only is this technology cost-effective but also eco-friendly.
To keep this system functioning optimally, you will need to replace the lamp and sleeve annually. Additionally, cleaning of teflon and quartz glass tubes within the unit is required for optimal performance.
Though this technology cannot eliminate all contaminants, it can significantly reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses. Ultraviolet rays have the ability to destroy bacteria and viruses such as giardia and cryptosporidium through photochemical oxidation.
These organisms are common in municipal supplies and they cause thousands of documented cases of illness annually. While disinfection methods can easily eliminate them from urban water systems, rural communities that depend on wells for drinking water often face an even greater issue due to their prevalence.
To reduce the risk of waterborne illness, it is essential to implement proper source control and ventilation in your home or workplace. If these measures are insufficient, you should consider installing a UV disinfection system on your drinking water supply to improve its quality and reduce contamination risks.
In addition to reducing water contamination, ultraviolet rays of the sun can purify drinking water, making it free from chemicals and toxins that could affect taste or health. This technology is both cost-effective and eco-friendly – an ideal solution for any household or business that requires fresh drinking water.
Ventilation
All season room windows offer a wonderful way to connect your space with nature while providing comfort for you and your family. Enjoy taking a nap in the sun, admiring raindrops falling on the glass, or taking in views of trees from above.
They also help improve the air quality in your space by extracting pollutants and drawing in fresh air, which can reduce symptoms such as a blocked nose, coughing or sneezing.
In addition to ventilation, all season room windows are an effective way to reduce energy consumption. They also let in natural light which can lower the temperature of your space.
For maximum benefits, select windows that can keep the air in your room comfortable while preventing condensation on walls and ceiling. Popular choices include awning and sliding windows, single- or double-hung windows and French doors.
These windows offer ventilation without the need for additional venting systems, saving you money on energy bills and decreasing how long it takes to heat or cool your home.
Another key characteristic is the ability of all-season room windows to cross-ventilate. This means they draw cool air in from one opening while pulling warm air out of another, helping reduce the perceived temperature in a room.
Cross-ventilated areas such as the kitchen or dining room can benefit from regular ventilation. On hot days, it may be hard to get enough fresh air into these rooms; however, opening your windows regularly will allow the fresh air to push stale air out and allow in fresh air.
Combining fans and windows can create an effective cross-ventilation system, helping keep rooms cooler in summertime.
All season room windows provide ventilation as well as protection from external elements and insects. They can be screened to block wind and rain, or you can choose glass windows which let in more light and offer a better view of nature.
Visibility
Visibility can vary based on weather and time of day. Generally speaking, visibility refers to being able to see distant objects without being blinded by bright lights or dark areas. During daylight hours it’s usually easier to spot an object than in low light conditions when everything becomes fuzzy and difficult to distinguish.
Meteorology relies heavily on visibility to understand how weather systems impact earth’s surface and its inhabitants. Astronomers especially pay close attention to visibility as it can significantly affect their view of celestial bodies such as the Sun, Moon or planets.
Meteorologists use several techniques to estimate visibility. One such measure is the optical extinction coefficient, which measures how long light must travel through a murky atmosphere in order to reach Earth.
Another intriguing technique involves using a computer to measure the scattering that takes place when light passes through particulate clouds. This process, known as absorption spectroscopy, can help identify air pollutants.
Space exploration also relies on optical systems to track objects in the sky. A telescope, for instance, uses specialized lenses to focus on a star or satellite. While this kind of tool is beneficial for scientists, not everyone has access to it.
Visibility is something many struggle with on a daily basis, but you can improve yours with the right windows. Whether going for glass or screen, opting for energy efficient options will likely be your best bet; however, there are other factors to take into account as well.
Selecting the ideal glass for your all season room can keep you and your family warm and dry throughout all seasons, while providing a clear view of outdoors. Low-E glass tends to be darker than standard insulating glass which can reduce heat loss and boost energy efficiency. Combining this type of glass with an invisible screen is your best bet at keeping out pests while letting more light into your home.