Energy Efficient Window Ratings
Windows are rated in several categories that measure their energy efficiency. If you are shopping for windows for your house, greater emphasis should be placed on different ratings based on the climate the home is located in. For example, if you are purchasing for replacement windows in Phoenix, Arizona, a sunny and warm environment, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is most certainly the most essential rating to take into account. Other characteristics, such as the orientation of a window to the sun and any shade that may be present should be taken into consideration.
The US Government's Energy Star program is specially designed to make it easier for individuals to identify energy efficient products and practices which will save them money and safeguard the environment. The Energy Star program rates over 60 products, including windows. Energy Star certification makes it easy for people to be certain they are getting energy efficient replacement windows.
All Energy Star replacement windows are ranked in five areas 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
Calculates the pace of heat transfer and shows how efficiently a window insulates. The smaller the U-Factor rating, the more efficiently a window insulates. The window U-Factor incorporates the thermal properties of the frame as well as the glazing.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Determines the solar energy transmitted by the window and illustrates how effectively a window inhibits heat caused by the sun's energy. The smaller 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 brighter a room will be.
Air Leakage (AL)
Determines the pace at which air passes through joints in a window. Air Leakage is determined in cubic feet of air that passes through 1 square foot of window area per minute. The lower the Air Leakage value, the less air that is allowed to leak.
Condensation Resistance
Calculates how efficiently a window prevents water build-up. The greater the Condensation Resistance factor, the less condensation build-up a window permits.
Other Replacement Window Ratings
There are a few other ratings that are not included on the NFRC Energy Star label yet they are useful and show up on some windows.
Light to Solar Gain
The ratio of Visable Transmittance to Solar Heat Gain Coefficient determines 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 formulated as a way to rate the insulation value of a product. It determines conductivity and signifies the resistance to heat flow. A high R-Value implies a better insulated window. The majority of windows today are measured using U-Factor (see above).
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