When remodeling your home often you may look for ways to enhance your home’s efficiency. One common feature that is often replaced during remodeling is the windows. Many homeowners want to allow more natural light into their home, yet they also want less heat. As many know the larger the window, the more natural light you let in as well as the heat. However, windows are now designed to help allow the light in but block out the UV rays that create the heat. Future Vision Remodeling will cover how modern windows can help improve efficiency and how to understand the labels of the window rating and efficiency.
Window Manufacturer Label
When you want to know the energy rating of a window you will want to look at the manufacturer’s label. The label should provide essential information about the window. The label should indicate the material used to make the window as well as its rating. Windows that use multiple panels of glass often have better ratings than others with single pane glass. Additionally gas is used to fill in the spaces between each pane of glass. If the label shows the Low-E gas treatment, these windows can reduce the UV light and are more effective.
Window NFRC Ratings
The NFRC or (National Fenestration Rating Council) is an independent organization that rates window energy efficiency. The NFRC uses a four or five digit number to indicate the window’s efficiency rating. These four or five digit numbers is how the NFRC rated the window’s energy by measuring the air leaks, type of glass, and gases used as well as how much heat the windows keep out of the home. Here is how to read a NFRC label.
Window U-Factor: Measures heat retention within the room and is good for winter efficiency. The lower the number the better the rating. You will see window U-factor rating between 0.20 -1.20.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: Measures the resistance to heat gain, best for summer efficiency. You will want a lower number on the label. Rating for the SHGC is between 0 -1.
Visible Light Transmittance: Measures the amount of light it allows in the home. The more natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting. The higher the number the better the rating. Visible Transmittance ratings vary from 0-1.
Air Leakage of Windows: Measures how much air enters through the windows. For best efficiency you will want a lower number. Air leakage rating varies from 0.1 – 3.
Window Energy Star Label
The final rating for a window which makes it easier for shoppers is the energy star rating. Issued through the government the energy star label must meet certain requirements for the local climate which means energy star ratings vary by region. Essentially the higher the star rating the better off your home’s efficiency.
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When remodeling your home, windows can help add more natural light and make the home or room feel bigger and more inviting. During remodeling investing in better windows can help make your home more aesthetically pleasing as well as more efficient. When remodeling your home and you want help optimizing window size and efficiency for your residence, contact Future Vision Remodeling and begin remodeling your home today.
