Know Your Windows: Energy Efficiency & NFRC

Energy-Saving Attributes & the Window Label

The energy efficiency of your home is greatly affected by how well your windows perform. Outdated or damaged windows have a weaker energy performance than modern windows that are equipped with energy-saving technology. If you’re having trouble telling which windows provide the most energy efficiency, then replacement window experts like the ones at Ultimate Gutter Guard can help. Our premier window solutions are designed to save you more each month by reducing your energy costs.

We have a large selection of window styles with customizable options that allow you to create the perfect look for your home. The energy-saving capabilities of our windows have granted them Energy Star® certification. This means they have met and surpassed the required governmental standards held for energy efficiency. The blue Energy Star® label is one of the easiest ways to see that a product is energy efficient. Another great way is by examining the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label, which rates the various attributes of a window.

Keys to Reading the NFRC Label

• U-Factor: This tells how capable a window is with regards to retaining heat in your home, which directly correlates to heat transfer and the window’s quality. Measured on a scale between .20 – 1.20 with lower numbers being ideal.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): A window’s ability to block UV rays is known as Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and is measured on a scale between 0 and 1 with lower numbers being better. Protecting against SHGC directly relates to guarding against radiant heat transference.
• Air leakage: This measures the potential of air leakage through the window’s hardware. This is measured on a scale of .1 to .3 with lower numbers indicating less air leakage potential.
• Visible Transmittance (VT): The VT rating measures the window’s potential for daylighting, which is the amount of natural light that can pass through to illuminate your interior space. This is measured on a scale of 0 and 1 with a higher number having more potential.

Take the Stress Out of Window Shopping

The NFRC and Blue Energy Star® labels help take the stress out of the window buying process for the consumer. They give homeowners the information they need in order to make an informed decision for their window purchase. Being able to view the energy ratings at a glance makes window shopping a far more pleasurable experience and you don’t have to strictly rely on the word of a salesperson. The window experts here at Ultimate Gutter Guard are well-informed of the qualities of each of our replacement windows so we can also make your window shopping experience an enjoyable one. Just contact us today to schedule your free window consultation.