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Replacement Window Ratings - What They Mean
Windows are rated in various categories which measure their energy efficiency. If you are choosing windows for your house, more emphasis should be placed on varying ratings based on where the home is located in. For instance, if you are shopping for replacement windows in Phoenix, Arizona, a sunny and warm climate, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is probably the most essential rating to consider. Other characteristics, such as the orientation of a window to the sun and the amount of shade present need to be considered.
The U.S. Government's Energy Star program is designed to make it easy for individuals to identify energy efficient products and practices that will save them money and safeguard the environment. The Energy Star program incorporates over sixty products, including windows. Energy Star certification makes it convenient for consumers to ensure they are getting energy efficient replacement windows.
All Energy Star replacement windows are rated in five categories however Energy Star qualification is solely determined on the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. These ratings 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 indicates how efficiently a window insulates. The lower the U-Factor rating, the more efficiently a window insulates. The window U-Factor includes the thermal qualities of the frame in addition to the glazing.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Measures the solar energy transmitted by the window and denotes how well a window inhibits heat caused by sunlight. The smaller the SHGC, the less solar heat a window transmits.
Visable Transmittance (VT)
Calculates the amount of light a window permits through. The greater the Visable Transmittance, the more light you see.
Air Leakage (AL)
Measures the rate at which air passes through joints in a window. Air Leakage is determined in cubic feet of air passing through 1 square foot of window area in a minute. The smaller 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 additional ratings which are not presented 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) determines the amount of light transmitted without adding heat. A greater number indicates that more light is transmitted without adding heat.
R-Value
R-Value was created as a way to rate the insulation value of something. It measures conductivity and signifies the resistance to heat flow. A high R-Value means a better insulated window. The majority of windows today are measured using U-Factor (see above).
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