Window U-Factor Comparison

Compare residential windows by U-factor, SHGC, and price; see annual heating cost, useful solar gain, summer cooling penalty, and payback vs a code-minimum baseline.

Default window comparison

  • Code-minimum low-e double (U-0.30, SHGC 0.40): $274/yr at 250 sq ft
  • Energy Star double (U-0.27, SHGC 0.30): roughly tied with baseline
  • Triple-pane low-e (U-0.18, SHGC 0.50): $49/yr but ~44 year payback at $40/sq ft premium

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