Hopper Window Energy Efficiency

Hopper windows can be a good choice if you're looking for replacements for the small windows in your house; many homeowners use them in basements, tub and shower enclosures, and to allow natural light into walk-in closets. Even though hopper windows are often diminutive in size it's important that they're just as energy efficient as the other windows in your home and there are windows specifications you should take a look at before you make your purchase.

Hopper Windows Energy Efficiency Considerations

Hopper windows are usually very energy efficient due to their small area and a latching system that forces a tight seal when the windows are closed and locked. A few of the areas of hopper windows energy efficiency that you should take a look at:

• Frame and operation
• U-Factor
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

When you close a hopper window, the sash should fit snugly in the frame without any excessive play and the locking latch ought to close easily, but not be overly loose. After your hopper windows are installed it's important that they be locked securely to prevent your energy dollars from flowing through the gaps.

The U-Factor and SHGC are energy efficiency test results that just about all windows are required to post for the consumer. The U-Factor is a measurement of the airflow through a closed window over a period of time and the SHGC is a test of the amount of radiant heat from the sun that a window allows into a home. You should choose hopper windows with low numbers in both tests as in this case lower scores are better. You can also improve the energy efficiency of your hopper windows by choosing options such as Low-E glass or Argon gas between the panes, and opting to have your windows professionally installed can help as well.