Replacement Window Ratings Explained

Replacement Window Energy Ratings Explained For Indiana Homeowners

Knowing What To Look For Will Ensure You Get The Best Bang For Your Buck

The energy ratings for a window tell prospective buyers everything they need to know about vital performance features before making a final purchase. If you are like most Indiana homeowners, the energy rating label can seem like a bunch of gibberish, random numbers that mean nothing.

Once you understand what these numbers mean, you can easily compare multiple replacement windows to find the most energy-efficient option.

In terms of home remodeling trends, energy-efficient products are one of the hottest ones out there.

Why You Should Pay Attention To The Energy Ratings For Replacement Windows

As we already mentioned, energy ratings are chock-full of useful information that should be taken into consideration when considering a replacement window project, especially if you are interested in saving money. Energy-efficient windows are well known for aiding in the reduction of monthly energy costs associated with heating and cooling a home.

Typically, for a window to be considered “energy efficient”, it must be deemed such by ENERGY STAR. Windows and other home remodeling products that are ENERGY STAR certified are guaranteed to be energy efficient, with no exceptions.

The exact level of energy efficiency is then tested by an outside, unbiased independent organization, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The NFRC has developed many tests to put replacement windows through that give customers and manufacturers a vivid image of the level of energy efficiency produced.

These ratings are then showcased on every product. If you know what to look for, you can easily choose replacement windows that fit your energy needs. And when it comes time to sell your home, opting for energy-efficient windows now can greatly increase your home’s overall value.

NFRC Ratings Explained For Replacement Windows

Knowing how to read the NFRC rating label will help you quickly filter through replacement windows on the search for that perfect new window style. Thankfully, there are only four numbers you will need to pay attention to.

These numbers tell us the following:

• U-Factor Rating
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) Rating
• Visible Transmittance Rating
• Air Leakage Rating

U-Factor Rating

The very first number you will see on the NFRC label will be the U-Factor Rating. Quite simply put, the U-Factor is determined by the overall insulation of the replacement window. This number is expressed on a scale from 0 to 1, ideally the lowest number possible.

In order for a window to be certified by ENERGY STAR in the state of Indiana, a replacement window must have a U-Factor of 0.30 or lower…we have a 0.23 U-Factor rating!

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) Rating

The SHGC rating is located directly to the right of the U-Factor rating on the NFRC label and is also expressed as a number on a scale from 0 to 1, with lower numbers being better. The SHGC rating tells you how much solar heat will penetrate the replacement window you are considering.

If you are worried about your home becoming too warm in the summer, look for windows with an exceptionally low SHGC rating. When you choose Clemens you get replacement window options that greatly surpass ENERGY STAR certification standards with an extremely low 0.20 SHGC rating.

Visible Transmittance Rating

The Visible Transmittance rating is the first number on the second line of the NFRC label, directly beneath the U-Factor rating. This number is also expressed on a scale of 0 to 1, with the higher number allowing in more light than a lower number. Windows with a high Visible Transmittance rating will provide substantially more visible light into the home, but not necessarily heat.

Our replacement windows have a standard 0.47 Visible Transmittance rating to give you and your family a clear look into the beauty of the outside world.

Air Leakage Rating

Last but not least is the Air Leakage rating. This rating is exceptionally important in understanding exactly how much air will pass through each square foot of a replacement window. A lower number means better air proofing and less chance of drafts!

While windows only need to have an Air Leakage rating of 0.30 or lower in order to be ENERGY STAR certified, we greatly exceed those expectations with an industry-leading Air Leakage rating of 0.01! It doesn’t get any better than that! Having air tight windows in Indiana are essential for every season!

Ready To Jump Start Your Window Replacement Project? Reach Out To The Pros At Clemens Today!

Now that you know how to read NFRC label and understand the importance of window ratings, it’s time to start your window replacement project!

Upgrading to energy-efficient windows can not only save you hundreds of dollars on energy costs, but they can also raise the value of the home, a great selling point for Indiana homeowners looking to put their home on the market.

When you want the best window installation team Indiana has to offer, choose Clemens Home Solutions!

We can be reached by calling our office located in Muncie at (765) 358-7535 or by contacting us today. We look forward to your inquiry!