Yeah, yeah.....first of all, the cost for solar screen vs double-pane window multiplied by all your home windows $$$$ Then, a decade later, a percentage of your expensive double-pane window gets moist inside due to failure of the seal under extreme direct sunlight. Thanks, but no thanks!
@@gloomiehoodie that is correct price of this new windows are very high and solar window screens are much more easy to install plus they are most cost effective to reduce UV rays and heat inside home.
Fantastic video guys! Love the fact that you showed both options work so people can work with in their budget on their particular needs. Great content Jeff!
As an hvac guy 20 years I struggle to believe in double pane windows. Your test seems accurate but you're not actually measuring it in a real world scenario the gas in the window is spreading out the heat where there is no heat but if there were the sun the entire pain would be hot and would certainly transfer to the other side. Now there wont be as much heat getting through of course but im sure it will be much more than your test shows. I have single and double pane windows and the double pane really dont help all that much in the summer if I had to guess I'd say like only 50% improvement at best case scenario. The other thing is that in especially dry desert climates the seals between the panes will leak rendering them totally pointless and and automaticall worse than single pane. I will say solar screens are quite expensive now. But one thing about the solar screen so long as it's a good screen will probably last 20 plus years with guaranteed results and for a lot less money. And they will help protect the window that you already have. You really need to stop that radiation before it hits the window not after there just isn't a better way. Personally I would rather have a thicker solid single pane window with a solar screen on the windows facing the south or in the sun. It's a much stronger setup. I realize I'm not a window guy really so have less experience here but I have fixed some 50,000 air conditioners and heaters in the desert over 20 years I work on high rise buildings 50 plus stories and the windows facing the sun often need to run the cooling year round even when it's 40 degrees outside. Their windows each cost around 30,000 dollars but clearly don't work too well. These glass buildings are truly a terrible design. I go to condos that are 96 degrees inside even with the patio door wide open in the coldest part of the winter because the cooling stopped. So I just don't have faith in double pane windows. You have to stop the radiation before it can touch the window it's really as simple as that. I'm sick of engineers making all these stupid mistakes with their bright salesman ideas and test results and science that really doesn't end up working much of the time. And then the government listening to everything the scientists and engineers disregarding all common sense.
I second this. This could’ve been a great comparison. The testing started off great, but testing the new window not installed, from outside, and at one time point made this comparison no longer accurate or precise. It would’ve been much better to have a comparison at multiple time points say at sun rise, sun peak, and set. If solar screens reduced temps on double pane windows this would’ve been a big win for solar screen installers. I think the only conclusions here are that solar screens may reduce inside window temps on single pane windows (given you only tested at one time point and one brand). Also, double pane windows may prevent heat transfer for a short period of time (which is probably a no brainer and given that you only tested one time point and one brand). No comparison between solar screens and double pane windows was actually performed.
I just had new LowE 366 double glazed windows installed on my home last week, replacing 40 year old single pane. I had applied window film to some of my old windows to help reflect the heat, but I'm looking forward to seeing how my new windows perform as we get into the hotter months. I can tell you, I can sure see outside more clearly through the factory applied Low-E coating! None of that purpleish oily looking color from the film adhesive. Additionally, I'm already enjoying much less noise from outside and much improved curb appeal!
Yeah, yeah.....first of all, the cost for solar screen vs double-pane window multiplied by all your home windows $$$$ Then, a decade later, a percentage of your expensive double-pane window gets moist inside due to failure of the seal under extreme direct sunlight. Thanks, but no thanks!
You said it right! As an hvac technician of 20 years I advise of not wasting time replacing windows and instead installing solar screens over them. You must keep the radiation from hitting the window. Double pane windows offer little help against solar radiation. You say that the seal will leak but in my opinion i wouldnt doubt a lot of these double pane windows arent even sealed right from the get go. And even if they are they will eventually leak. And not having a solar shade to protect them will cause them to leak. Solar screens have gotten expensive and I'm looking to buy and install a few. But I might not as I bought my house in 2010 and thinking to sell. But there is one window in particular that I will probably just order one online it costs like 90 bucks about after shipping. This one window is kicking my butt increasing the temp of the room by like 10 degrees why I have a minisplit. Will save lot on the electric bill to put it.
@@hvacdr if you have AC, solar screens seem like a no brainer. I live in Southern California and all my windows and sliders are east or west facing. The screens were a life saver - it's basically like they're shaded now.
What kind of solar screen was used for this test? brand? Also it looked to me based on the test that single pane window + solar screen is as effective at keeping heat out as double pane windows with no solar screen?
@@HoustonWindowExperts I have single pane, do you think adding solar screens would help us keep heat out? or do we need to change the window? I thought the window being replaced in the video was a single pane...So the customer in the video changed a double pane window for another double pane? What was the point of doing so?
The first double pane window was builder grade and never met their expectations. It also leaked a lot of air and would not operate well. Solar screens should be considered a band-aid, not a permanent solution.
@@HoustonWindowExperts Except, perhaps for the enormous cost difference. I have 36 windows in my (stucco!) home. I cannot afford to replace them all, then have all the stucco repaired, then have it all painted again. I have replaced the most important ones, and screened the others.... permanently, not as a temporary band-aid.
So yes double pane windows work but not everyone can afford brand new windows for the entire house, solar screens are a more cost effective solution, and theyre different choices on materials for Solar Screens, some allow for more light to come through than others. And if you have old windows this also gives them a fresh look as you can get different colors on the frames and screens.
Ha. Exactly what I was wondering. But if the heat isn't making it to that interior pain of glass, I don't think blocking more of it is going to be an additional benefit. Still, I'd like to have seen that simple test!
They are 90%. If you use solar screen and double pane windows you might have to wear a flashlight on your forehead to be able to see your way around in the house. It would be Overkill and just reduce the amount of light you get.
Just had our windows replaced but I don’t think the comapies get that the screen wasn’t just desirable for heat but also more so for privacy. You can’t see anything from outside but can see out when in house, when you have shady neighbors, it’s a big plus.
Thank you for the video. Curious about how both types of heat are effected. Direct UV heating vs extended UV heating of the outside then radiating the heat into the house. Questions: 1. If the outer glass pane of the window heats up after hours of direct sunlight, does the gas filled empty space between the panes stop the radiated heat from the outer layer of glass? 2. If the frame of the window is NOT metal (plastic or fiberglass or wood), that should also reduce the conduction into the house of heat from outer glass pane and the heated up wall? 3. Would a solar screen that has an air gap before the window do an equally good or better job since there is an air layer between the solar screen and the outer pane of glass? 4. If blocking heat was most important would using double or triple pane with UV protection PLUS the solar screen reduce heat even better? Or does the rest of the wall create such a large heat issue that adding solar screen to double or triple pane window with proper UV protection unnecessary? Thanks again. Have watched many of your videos and they are great!
Thanks for watching and your questions. 1. Eventually more heat will transfer after extended exposure. I've examined the west side of many homes in the past and the increased transfer of heat is negligible. 2. Yes, the frame material plays a huge roll in the conduction of heat and cold. 3. The greater the air gap the better in all cases. That's why double pane typically does better in heat than triple pane. You have more air space. 4. Sure, but adding a solar screen on top of a good double pane window only benefits by a couple of degrees. The drawback is how much light you lose. If we carried this to the extreme, we might as well eliminate the window and build a wall in its place. It about finding a happy Ballance between form and function.
Quick clarification, UV light does not contain an appreciable amount of thermal energy, nothing that you will feel as heat. UV is responsible (along with visible light) in fading your floors and furnishings. Infrared is what you need to stop to keep your home cool, not UV.
Jeff, do you haven any insight on the Showcase Window and Door Company based out of the Houston area, which seems to be a builder-oriented window company? I'm doing a new build and was looking at Pella Encompass windows when my GC suggested this other company. Both types of windows seem to have similar energy efficiency numbers. I just don't want to buy something I'm going to regret in 10 years. Appreciate all the info on your channel.
Both of those are very good products. However, Pella has a better reputation for quality a d they've been around for 100 years. They're likely to be here in 20+ more years.
What I don't understand is how you have one double pain window already installed on the house and it was hitting temperatures over a 100 degrees, but then You have a double paint window outside of the home that's getting ready to be installed. And it's throwing way lower numbers period why is the double paint window with the same technology having a much higher yield on the temperature side?
@@HoustonWindowExperts on west side of my house there are 4 big windows (7’x3’ for each). The measured temperature by the windows under sun is 86F, the temperature outside under sun is 109F. Just wonder if the solar screen added the temperature will go down？I plan to use the Velcro to attached the screen to the windows, after hot summer I will take them out.
Yeah, yeah.....first of all, the cost for solar screen vs double-pane window multiplied by all your home windows $$$$ Then, a decade later, a percentage of your expensive double-pane window gets moist inside due to failure of the seal under extreme direct sunlight. Thanks, but no thanks!
Would love to have seen this test done after the new window was installed to see what the actual heat measured from within the house.
Actually, we did that after the video was over. It did not change the temperature at all. All it did was make the house much darker.
@@HoustonWindowExperts so the new window makes the house darker?
Yeah, yeah.....first of all, the cost for solar screen vs double-pane window multiplied by all your home windows $$$$
Then, a decade later, a percentage of your expensive double-pane window gets moist inside due to failure of the seal under extreme direct sunlight. Thanks, but no thanks!
@@gloomiehoodie that is correct price of this new windows are very high and solar window screens are much more easy to install plus they are most cost effective to reduce UV rays and heat inside home.
Fantastic video guys! Love the fact that you showed both options work so people can work with in their budget on their particular needs. Great content Jeff!
Our pleasure!
As an hvac guy 20 years I struggle to believe in double pane windows. Your test seems accurate but you're not actually measuring it in a real world scenario the gas in the window is spreading out the heat where there is no heat but if there were the sun the entire pain would be hot and would certainly transfer to the other side. Now there wont be as much heat getting through of course but im sure it will be much more than your test shows. I have single and double pane windows and the double pane really dont help all that much in the summer if I had to guess I'd say like only 50% improvement at best case scenario. The other thing is that in especially dry desert climates the seals between the panes will leak rendering them totally pointless and and automaticall worse than single pane. I will say solar screens are quite expensive now. But one thing about the solar screen so long as it's a good screen will probably last 20 plus years with guaranteed results and for a lot less money. And they will help protect the window that you already have. You really need to stop that radiation before it hits the window not after there just isn't a better way. Personally I would rather have a thicker solid single pane window with a solar screen on the windows facing the south or in the sun. It's a much stronger setup. I realize I'm not a window guy really so have less experience here but I have fixed some 50,000 air conditioners and heaters in the desert over 20 years I work on high rise buildings 50 plus stories and the windows facing the sun often need to run the cooling year round even when it's 40 degrees outside. Their windows each cost around 30,000 dollars but clearly don't work too well. These glass buildings are truly a terrible design. I go to condos that are 96 degrees inside even with the patio door wide open in the coldest part of the winter because the cooling stopped. So I just don't have faith in double pane windows. You have to stop the radiation before it can touch the window it's really as simple as that. I'm sick of engineers making all these stupid mistakes with their bright salesman ideas and test results and science that really doesn't end up working much of the time. And then the government listening to everything the scientists and engineers disregarding all common sense.
I second this. This could’ve been a great comparison. The testing started off great, but testing the new window not installed, from outside, and at one time point made this comparison no longer accurate or precise. It would’ve been much better to have a comparison at multiple time points say at sun rise, sun peak, and set. If solar screens reduced temps on double pane windows this would’ve been a big win for solar screen installers. I think the only conclusions here are that solar screens may reduce inside window temps on single pane windows (given you only tested at one time point and one brand). Also, double pane windows may prevent heat transfer for a short period of time (which is probably a no brainer and given that you only tested one time point and one brand). No comparison between solar screens and double pane windows was actually performed.
I just had new LowE 366 double glazed windows installed on my home last week, replacing 40 year old single pane. I had applied window film to some of my old windows to help reflect the heat, but I'm looking forward to seeing how my new windows perform as we get into the hotter months. I can tell you, I can sure see outside more clearly through the factory applied Low-E coating! None of that purpleish oily looking color from the film adhesive. Additionally, I'm already enjoying much less noise from outside and much improved curb appeal!
These are all great points! Thanks for watching and your comment.
Climate change will definitely increase heat in summers. Low E windows should be required by code in new homes if not so already.
Yeah, yeah.....first of all, the cost for solar screen vs double-pane window multiplied by all your home windows $$$$
Then, a decade later, a percentage of your expensive double-pane window gets moist inside due to failure of the seal under extreme direct sunlight. Thanks, but no thanks!
You said it right! As an hvac technician of 20 years I advise of not wasting time replacing windows and instead installing solar screens over them. You must keep the radiation from hitting the window. Double pane windows offer little help against solar radiation. You say that the seal will leak but in my opinion i wouldnt doubt a lot of these double pane windows arent even sealed right from the get go. And even if they are they will eventually leak. And not having a solar shade to protect them will cause them to leak. Solar screens have gotten expensive and I'm looking to buy and install a few. But I might not as I bought my house in 2010 and thinking to sell. But there is one window in particular that I will probably just order one online it costs like 90 bucks about after shipping. This one window is kicking my butt increasing the temp of the room by like 10 degrees why I have a minisplit. Will save lot on the electric bill to put it.
@@hvacdr if you have AC, solar screens seem like a no brainer. I live in Southern California and all my windows and sliders are east or west facing. The screens were a life saver - it's basically like they're shaded now.
Another great video, Jeff.
Thanks for watching!
Great video Jeff!
Thanks for watching
What kind of solar screen was used for this test? brand?
Also it looked to me based on the test that single pane window + solar screen is as effective at keeping heat out as double pane windows with no solar screen?
This was already on the home. No idea what brand.
By the way, that was a double pane window and a solar screen.
@@HoustonWindowExperts I have single pane, do you think adding solar screens would help us keep heat out? or do we need to change the window?
I thought the window being replaced in the video was a single pane...So the customer in the video changed a double pane window for another double pane? What was the point of doing so?
The first double pane window was builder grade and never met their expectations. It also leaked a lot of air and would not operate well.
Solar screens should be considered a band-aid, not a permanent solution.
@@HoustonWindowExperts Except, perhaps for the enormous cost difference. I have 36 windows in my (stucco!) home. I cannot afford to replace them all, then have all the stucco repaired, then have it all painted again. I have replaced the most important ones, and screened the others.... permanently, not as a temporary band-aid.
What is the coating on that new window? It has something on it.
Can you do a thorough review on the vistamark window please.
It's coming soon.
If you add the solar screen to the new window looks like it will probably go down even more..
Yes, but she doesn't want things to be so dark.
So yes double pane windows work but not everyone can afford brand new windows for the entire house, solar screens are a more cost effective solution, and theyre different choices on materials for Solar Screens, some allow for more light to come through than others. And if you have old windows this also gives them a fresh look as you can get different colors on the frames and screens.
which solar screens let in the most light?
@@AnneToole 80% solar
Were the screens at 90% or 80%? I wonder what using both double paned window and and 80% solar screen would create 🥶 lol ❤
Ha. Exactly what I was wondering. But if the heat isn't making it to that interior pain of glass, I don't think blocking more of it is going to be an additional benefit. Still, I'd like to have seen that simple test!
They are 90%. If you use solar screen and double pane windows you might have to wear a flashlight on your forehead to be able to see your way around in the house. It would be Overkill and just reduce the amount of light you get.
@@HoustonWindowExpertsI'vegot double pain and solar screens, it works great!
Just had our windows replaced but I don’t think the comapies get that the screen wasn’t just desirable for heat but also more so for privacy. You can’t see anything from outside but can see out when in house, when you have shady neighbors, it’s a big plus.
Curtains and blinds will do the trick also.
How bout the double pain window with solar screens?
It was already the temp outside i believe. Can make it colder than that*
Thank you for the video. Curious about how both types of heat are effected. Direct UV heating vs extended UV heating of the outside then radiating the heat into the house.
Questions:
1. If the outer glass pane of the window heats up after hours of direct sunlight, does the gas filled empty space between the panes stop the radiated heat from the outer layer of glass?
2. If the frame of the window is NOT metal (plastic or fiberglass or wood), that should also reduce the conduction into the house of heat from outer glass pane and the heated up wall?
3. Would a solar screen that has an air gap before the window do an equally good or better job since there is an air layer between the solar screen and the outer pane of glass?
4. If blocking heat was most important would using double or triple pane with UV protection PLUS the solar screen reduce heat even better? Or does the rest of the wall create such a large heat issue that adding solar screen to double or triple pane window with proper UV protection unnecessary?
Thanks again. Have watched many of your videos and they are great!
Thanks for watching and your questions.
1. Eventually more heat will transfer after extended exposure. I've examined the west side of many homes in the past and the increased transfer of heat is negligible.
2. Yes, the frame material plays a huge roll in the conduction of heat and cold.
3. The greater the air gap the better in all cases. That's why double pane typically does better in heat than triple pane. You have more air space.
4. Sure, but adding a solar screen on top of a good double pane window only benefits by a couple of degrees. The drawback is how much light you lose. If we carried this to the extreme, we might as well eliminate the window and build a wall in its place. It about finding a happy Ballance between form and function.
Quick clarification, UV light does not contain an appreciable amount of thermal energy, nothing that you will feel as heat. UV is responsible (along with visible light) in fading your floors and furnishings. Infrared is what you need to stop to keep your home cool, not UV.
Great point
Love the videos, was the double pane single or double coated low e
It has two coats of Low-e. The replacement window had three coats of low-e.
@@HoustonWindowExperts What do you mean by coats of low-e?
@Setherino86 check this out.
ruclips.net/video/tkOxOOedHoY/видео.html
Odd that I don't see solar screens for windows in SW Florida. Untapped market for sure
Jeff, do you haven any insight on the Showcase Window and Door Company based out of the Houston area, which seems to be a builder-oriented window company? I'm doing a new build and was looking at Pella Encompass windows when my GC suggested this other company. Both types of windows seem to have similar energy efficiency numbers. I just don't want to buy something I'm going to regret in 10 years. Appreciate all the info on your channel.
Both of those are very good products. However, Pella has a better reputation for quality a d they've been around for 100 years. They're likely to be here in 20+ more years.
What I don't understand is how you have one double pain window already installed on the house and it was hitting temperatures over a 100 degrees, but then You have a double paint window outside of the home that's getting ready to be installed. And it's throwing way lower numbers period why is the double paint window with the same technology having a much higher yield on the temperature side?
The window that is in the house is a builder grade product. Almost every builder grade product I've seen is a terribly performing product.
Wow this guy has great screen presence. He’s so natural at presenting.
Thanks for watching!
I have a double pane window on the sun side of the house, I just did a temp check and it says 101
Yikes!
Any idea how old the windows are?
@leblunt27 30 years or so. They were original to the home.
Can I added the solar screen to the double pan windows? Thanks it advance
Yes, but why? It doesn't do anything other than make the home darker.
@@HoustonWindowExperts on west side of my house there are 4 big windows (7’x3’ for each). The measured temperature by the windows under sun is 86F, the temperature outside under sun is 109F. Just wonder if the solar screen added the temperature will go down？I plan to use the Velcro to attached the screen to the windows, after hot summer I will take them out.
Give it a try and let me know what you think.
@@ruyuchen2378have you tried it? Any good results? Asking from Las Vegas 😂
I'm wondering the same. I have double pain windows and they get beat up by the sun for about 8 hours.
Yeah, yeah.....first of all, the cost for solar screen vs double-pane window multiplied by all your home windows $$$$
Then, a decade later, a percentage of your expensive double-pane window gets moist inside due to failure of the seal under extreme direct sunlight. Thanks, but no thanks!
Thumbs up for everything except your bank account.