Energy Efficient Window Ratings
Windows are rated in various categories which calculate their energy efficiency. If you are deciding on windows for your house, greater emphasis should be placed on different ratings based on where the home is located in. For instance, if you are purchasing for replacement windows in Phoenix, Arizona, a sunny and warm climate, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is almost certainly the most significant rating to think about. Other criteria, such as the orientation of a window to the sun and any shade that may be present should certainly be considered.
The U.S. Government's Energy Star program is designed to make it simple for consumers to identify energy efficient products and practices that will save them money and preserve the environment. The Energy Star program rates over 60 products, including windows. Energy Star certification makes it very easy for shoppers to ensure they are getting energy efficient replacement windows.
All Energy Star replacement windows are rated in five different categories however Energy Star qualification is based only on the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. The U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient are also the categories utilized to determine if a window qualifies for the IRS Energy Tax Credit.
U-Factor
Measures the rate of heat transfer and tells us how effectively a window insulates. The lower the U-Factor rating, the more effectively a window insulates. The window U-Factor incorporates the thermal properties of the frame together with the glazing.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Measures the solar energy transmitted by the window and denotes how efficiently a window inhibits heat caused by sunlight. The smaller the SHGC, the less solar heat a window transmits.
Visable Transmittance (VT)
Measures the amount of light a window lets through. The greater the Visable Transmittance, the more light you see.
Air Leakage (AL)
Measures the speed at which air passes through joints in a window. Air Leakage is calculated in cubic feet of air passing through 1 square foot of window area per minute. The lower the Air Leakage value, the less air leakage.
Condensation Resistance
Measures how well a window resists water build-up. The greater the Condensation Resistance factor, the less condensation build-up a window allows.
Other Replacement Window Ratings
There are a few other ratings that are not incorporated on the NFRC Energy Star label but they are helpful and appear on some windows.
Light to Solar Gain
The ratio of Visable Transmittance (see above) to SHGC (see above) calculates the amount of light that is transmitted without adding heat. A higher number suggests that more light is transmitted without adding heat.
R-Value
R-Value was developed as a way to rate the insulation value of something. It calculates conductivity and illustrates the resistance to heat flow. A high R-Value signifies a better insulated window. Virtually all windows today are measured using U-Factor (see above).
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