Replacement Window Ratings

Windows are rated in a range of categories which measure their energy efficiency. If you are picking out windows for your home, greater emphasis should be placed on different ratings based on the climate the home is located in. For example, if you are shopping for replacement windows in Phoenix, Arizona, a sunny and warm climate, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is almost certainly the most essential rating to take into consideration. Other variables, such as the orientation of a window to the sun and any shade that may be present should be taken into account.

The U.S. Government's Energy Star program is meant to make it simple for individuals to identify energy efficient products and practices which will save them money and protect the environment. The Energy Star program rates over 60 products, including windows. Energy Star certification makes it easy for individuals 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 determined only on the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. The U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient are also the categories used to calculate if a window qualifies for the IRS Energy Tax Credit.

U-Factor
Measures the rate of heat transfer and tells us how efficiently a window insulates. The smaller the U-Factor rating, the better a window insulates. The window U-Factor incorporates the thermal properties of the frame as well as the glazing.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Calculates the solar energy transmitted by the window and denotes how efficiently a window inhibits heat caused by the sun's energy. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat a window transmits.

Visable Transmittance (VT)
Measures the amount of light a window lets through. The higher 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 determined in cubic feet of air that passes through one square foot of window area per minute. The lower the Air Leakage value, the less air that is leaked.

Condensation Resistance
Measures how well a window resists water build-up. The greater the Condensation Resistance factor, the less condensation build-up a window permits.

Other Replacement Window Ratings
There are some other ratings that are not included on the NFRC Energy Star label however they are helpful and appear on some windows.

Light to Solar Gain
The ratio of Visable Transmittance to Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures the amount of light that is transmitted without adding heat. A higher number means that more light is transmitted without adding heat.

R-Value
R-Value was established as a way to rate the insulation value of something. It calculates conductivity and signifies the resistance to heat flow. A high R-Value indicates a better insulated window. Almost all windows today are measured using U-Factor (see above).

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