Hello - I just got a great quote from for 4 OKNA 5500 new construction windows. Been doing a lot of research, this site being a great resource. They fit our budget - but I do have some concerns.
They are coming prepackaged with the Sunseal package with the VT rating being .42. I'm having a hard time finding examples of what they look like. Does anyone have any pictures they could offer? How dark will they and how noticeable?
I'm located in south NJ. 2 windows will be east facing, 1 window south facing, and 1 window north facing. Not sure if this is the right package for me or not. Any help would be great. Thanks!
OKNA 5500 (500) Package question - VT rating
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Re: OKNA 5500 (500) Package question - VT rating
1) Great window, nice job finding that.
2) Re: the glass, did you request Sunseal or really emphasize a desire to cut out solar heat as much as possible? Personally I would say that is not the first option that I'd recommend for your location, although it's possible that circumstances could dictate that it would be a good choice. Better bet is to get triple pane. It's on its way (IMO) to becoming a default for new windows as evidenced by the new Energy Star tax credit requiring a .20 or lower U value.
If you a stuck on double pane for some reason, I'd say that the standard LE glass is a better, more balanced choice for your area that will allow more light (higher VT) -- again, unless there are some other undisclosed circumstances.
2) Re: the glass, did you request Sunseal or really emphasize a desire to cut out solar heat as much as possible? Personally I would say that is not the first option that I'd recommend for your location, although it's possible that circumstances could dictate that it would be a good choice. Better bet is to get triple pane. It's on its way (IMO) to becoming a default for new windows as evidenced by the new Energy Star tax credit requiring a .20 or lower U value.
If you a stuck on double pane for some reason, I'd say that the standard LE glass is a better, more balanced choice for your area that will allow more light (higher VT) -- again, unless there are some other undisclosed circumstances.
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Re: OKNA 5500 (500) Package question - VT rating
I did notice that NJ energy ratings were changed. The triple pane options all have .4 VT according to Okna's documentation. The individual I spoke with at the retailer didn't really understand what I was talking about when I asked about Okna's packages only that they come as the Sunseal package. Not by my request.
I'm assuming LE meanings low-e? (sorry) Okna's documentation starts with Heatseal and goes up. There is an option listed as Clear/Clear U-Factor .45, SHGC .61, and VT .62.
Not sure what to do here. Triple pane might push these past our budget but the VT are quite low being .4. One room has 2 windows. 1 facing east and the other south. That room does tend to hold humidity more than the other rooms. Could be old windows or our AC being too efficient for our room size. Either way, not sure what I should do here and would appreciate your recommendation.
This is the documentation I was referring to: https://www.starmarkwindows.com/media/c ... igital.pdf
I'm assuming LE meanings low-e? (sorry) Okna's documentation starts with Heatseal and goes up. There is an option listed as Clear/Clear U-Factor .45, SHGC .61, and VT .62.
Not sure what to do here. Triple pane might push these past our budget but the VT are quite low being .4. One room has 2 windows. 1 facing east and the other south. That room does tend to hold humidity more than the other rooms. Could be old windows or our AC being too efficient for our room size. Either way, not sure what I should do here and would appreciate your recommendation.
This is the documentation I was referring to: https://www.starmarkwindows.com/media/c ... igital.pdf
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Re: OKNA 5500 (500) Package question - VT rating
Sorry, they use different language for ordering that they do for marketing. LE is the standard double pane, Low-e and argon package. I believe that they refer to that as "Heat Seal", and Heat Seal Deluxe when the foam enhanced frame is added. For your climate this would be the better option IMO, I can't say why the dealer defaults to Sun Seal.
Regarding VT, the next customer I have that complains about their triple pane windows being too dark will be the first. With that said, I also wouldn't want a window any darker than need be (ie: sun seal double pane) and potentially less efficient for your climate (the lower VT also comes with a lower SHGC and no real improvement in U value).
If you lived down south or out west, different story.
Regarding VT, the next customer I have that complains about their triple pane windows being too dark will be the first. With that said, I also wouldn't want a window any darker than need be (ie: sun seal double pane) and potentially less efficient for your climate (the lower VT also comes with a lower SHGC and no real improvement in U value).
If you lived down south or out west, different story.
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Re: OKNA 5500 (500) Package question - VT rating
Awesome thank you for the clarification. I'll have to call the retailer tomorrow and specifiy "Heat seal". I'm a bit concerned that they didn't know about these packages.
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Re: OKNA 5500 (500) Package question - VT rating
I'm sure they do as its the standard package. It may just be a new sales rep or something like that.