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Energy Efficient Window Ratings
Windows are rated in various categories which measure their energy efficiency. If you are choosing windows for your home, greater emphasis should be placed on different 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 almost certainly the most crucial rating to think about. Other variables, such as the orientation of a window to the sun and any shade that may be present should certainly be taken into account.
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 protect 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 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 denotes how effectively a window insulates. The lower the U-Factor rating, the better a window insulates. The window U-Factor incorporates the thermal properties of the frame together with the glazing.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Calculates the solar energy transmitted by the window and indicates how well a window inhibits heat caused by sunlight. The lower 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 rate at which air passes through joints in a window. Air Leakage is calculated in cubic feet of air passing 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 allows.
Other Replacement Window Ratings
There are some other ratings that are not incorporated on the NFRC Energy Star label however they are helpful and appear on some windows.
Light to Solar Gain
The ratio of Visable Transmittance (see above) to SHGC (see above) measures 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 established as a way to rate the insulation value of something. It measures conductivity and illustrates the resistance to heat flow. A high R-Value means a better insulated window. Almost all windows today are measured using U-Factor (see above).
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