Before we get into this topic, please take a few seconds to consider the following questions:
- Do you plan to work, or have you ever worked, on a Passive House building? (If not, the rest of your answers are probably no.)
- Has your Passive House consultant ever told you that the window U-Value you provided “won’t work in their energy model?”
- Has your Passive House consultant ever told you that your window “doesn’t meet the comfort criteria?”
- Have you ever scratched your head when someone asked you to provide the “Psi-spacer” for your window?
If you answered yes to two or more of these queries, please read on. If not, you’ll still learn some useful information, so why not continue?
If you’re still reading, then you are probably somewhat familiar with a “U-Value” and you may know what “SHGC” means. If not, no worries. This article will explain both, and by the end you’ll be able to talk about these terms with most Passive House nerds.