When choosing windows, it’s important to consider energy efficiency and comfort. These features will help you save money on your heating and cooling bills, and they can also add value to your home.
Look for the Energy Star label when selecting new windows. This is a government-sanctioned symbol for energy efficiency, credibility, and sustainability. You should also pay attention to the U-factor and insulating materials.
Energy Star
ENERGY STAR windows are independently certified to reduce energy costs, lower carbon footprints and preserve the environment. They help homeowners save on heating and cooling bills, reduce mechanical equipment wear and tear, and protect fabrics and furnishings from fading. However, it’s important to choose the right windows for your climate zone to maximize savings.
The U-factor of a window measures its insulative properties. It’s a good idea to choose a window with a lower U-factor in colder climate zones, as it will minimize heat loss. The SHGC, on the other hand, measures how much solar radiation a window lets into a home. The SHGC needs to be lower in hotter climate zones.
There are many window types to consider, each with different advantages. For example, garden windows protrude out of the wall, providing a mini-greenhouse effect and making it easy to grow plants. Clad windows are also popular, as they offer the beauty of wood on the interior and durability on the outside.
U-Factor
The U-factor is an important metric used in the window manufacturing industry to evaluate energy efficiency. It measures how well a window prevents non-solar heat flow between indoor and outdoor environments. Windows with a low U-factor are better at insulating homes and reducing energy consumption. The U-factor is determined by assessing various factors such as the frame, sash and glazing assembly. Other important metrics include VT (visible transmittance) and SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient).
The National Fenestration Rating Council has established standards for determining the performance ratings of a window, door or skylight. These ratings are based on the u-factor, SHGC and VT. These criteria are designed to help you choose the best window for your home based on your climate and design needs.
You can find the NFRC window ratings on the window label. This information is critical when making apples-to-apples product comparisons. The window label also includes performance ratings for the glazing, the frame and spacer material.
SHGC
The SHGC rating measures the amount of solar heat that passes through a window. This is an important metric to consider when shopping for replacement windows since it can increase or decrease your energy bills, depending on how much solar heat enters the home. The ideal SHGC rating varies by geography and ENERGY STAR zone, but it generally falls below 0.40.
A high SHGC rating prevents too much sun from warming the home, reducing the need to spend money on artificial heating during cold winters. The best way to achieve an optimal SHGC rating is to opt for double- or triple-pane windows with a low-E glass tint. These coatings reflect solar heat and UV radiation without compromising visibility. They also help reduce noise. In addition, look for windows with multiple panes and insulated frames.
VT
JELD-WEN engineers and produces an extensive selection of doors, windows and other innovative wall systems. Its products are designed to perform well and deliver exceptional value, which is why they have earned the ENERGY STAR label. The company also provides support and services to its customers.
Energy-efficient windows can reduce your energy bills by insulating the house. They also improve the appearance of your home and add to its resale value. The best energy-efficient windows have several features, including a low-E coating and multiple glass panes.
Several glass panes provide better insulation than a single window. They can also minimize bi-directional heat transfer. The space between the glass can be filled with odorless, nontoxic gases like argon or krypton, which further improves insulation. The frame can be made from a durable material such as fiberglass or clad wood, which helps reduce air leakage. A tight fit and weatherstripping ensure that the frame is airtight. The frame can be enhanced with warm edge spacers, which form a seal around the panes of glass and improve insulation.