Very hot and humid Climate Replacement Window Design
In a very hot and humid climate, the goal is to keep heat out. One way heat enters a building is by conduction, when cool inside air comes in contact with warm exterior glazing. Again, the cool air draws in the warmth, defeating the cooling effect indoors. A lower U-value makes this less likely to happen.

Solar heat gain happens when radiant energy from direct or reflected sunlight and heat enters through the replacement window glass. High-tech prevention is available in low-e coatings which prevent the passage of radiant energy or solar heat into the home.

An easy, low-tech solution is to minimize the amount of sun that hits your replacement windows. Shading the replacement windows with vegetation, awnings, or overhangs such as porches and eaves provides respite from the sun's burning rays. Another option is to decrease the size and number of replacement windows on the east and west sides of the building.


Replacement windows and Energy
Vinyl replacement windows should let light and heat in and keep weather out. This can be hard since glass has almost no insulating value and is a poor barrier to radiant energy. So, if you can't control the way energy passes in and out through your replacement windows, you won't be comfortable in your home. While some people augment compensate for inadequate replacement windows by using their heating and cooling systems, this doesn't produce true comfort, and means spending more on utilities.