Has the time come for you to get new windows for your home? It is important that you do your research when it comes to energy ratings. Understanding window energy ratings will ensure that you get the right windows for your home, which will benefit you in a variety of ways, including improved indoor comfort, fewer drafts, and lower energy bills. Below is everything you need to know about window energy ratings.
Why Do Window Energy Ratings Matter?
Choosing the right windows for your home is one of the most exciting parts of a window replacement project but it can also be a challenging part of the process. The National Fenestration Rating Council has developed an energy-rating system that assists contractors and homeowners in selecting high-quality window products that will lead to all sorts of energy-efficient benefits including lower utility bills, reduced carbon footprint, and improved comfort.
Types of Window Energy Ratings
There are several important types of energy ratings that customers and contractors should pay attention to when choosing energy-efficient windows. These include:
- U-Factor: The U-Factor of a window measures how much inside heat can escape through a window. You will find it on the top-left corner of the NFRC label in the form of a number between .10-2.00. The lower the number on the window, the less heat you can expect to escape through the window. If you live in a cold climate, you should opt for a window with a low U-Factor.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: The SHGC tells you how much solar heat sun can enter a home through a window. It will be found on the top-right corner of all NFRC labels and will be a number between 0 and 1. Homeowners in hot climates should try to find windows with low SHGC numbers.
- Visible Transmittance: The VF of a window measures the amount of solar light that can enter through a window. It will either be in the middle row or on the bottom of a label on the left side and will be a number between 0 and 1. This number will help you identify which windows will allow for the most natural light.
- Air Leakage: The air leakage number tells you how much air can come into the home through a window. It will be on the middle or bottom of the label and will be a value less than or greater than 0.3. The lower the number, the less air leakage you can expect.
Learn More About How We Can Help with Your Energy Efficient Window Replacement
We hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insight into energy-efficient windows. If you need help selecting the right options for your home, our energy-efficient window installers are at your service.
As a leading Cincinnati and Louisville window replacement company, we have helped many homeowners reap the benefits of a high-quality energy-efficient window installation. Our products are durable, available in an array of attractive styles, and feature high-performance glass, air tight seals, and indium coatings that will help you achieve your energy-efficient window goals.
With a BBB accreditation, an A+ rating, stellar reviews, and an Angi “Super Service,” award, you can’t go wrong hiring us to handle your energy-efficient window replacement. Reach out today to learn more about our products and services and to get started with a free quote.
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