Energy-efficient windows are ideal units because of their numerous benefits. However, looking for these units can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. As one of the region’s top window contractors, Renewal by Andersen® of San Francisco shares some tips on choosing the right products.
Understand Energy Ratings
An objective way to separate energy-efficient windows from average ones is by looking at their energy ratings. In general, there are five metrics for measuring energy performance: U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Visible Transmittance (VT), Air Leakage, and Condensation Resistance. The last two are usually optional for manufacturers to display on their products.
U-factor gauges the product’s insulating properties. The SHGC rating pertains to the unit’s ability to block solar radiation, On the other hand, VT measures the amount of visible light that enters your home through the window glass.
They’re expressed in numbers, and VT is the only measurement that uses high digits as positive indicators. As your window contractor, we’ll help you understand these ratings and select a window that meets your needs.
Look for NFRC Label
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a non-profit body that provides accurate, fair, and
credible energy performance ratings for windows. They rate, certify, and label products to help homeowners identify energy-saving windows. In most cases, the NFRC label on the window contains information about the product’s U-factor, SHGC, and VT.
Find the ENERGY STAR® Seal
Apart from the NFRC label, the ENERGY STAR seal further filters out inefficient windows. It’s a badge of compliance to the energy efficiency certification criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
The ENERGY STAR shows a colored map that say which areas in the country the window in question is recommendable for use. As one of the window companies that offer ENERGY STAR-certified units, we can help you select the right one for your home.
At Renewal by Andersen of San Francisco, we take pride in offering ENERGY STAR–certified windows with excellent NFRC energy ratings. With our products, you can equip your home with units designed to work efficiently against northern California’s unique conditions.
San Francisco homeowners can count on us for quality energy-saving windows. To learn more about our replacement windows, call us today at (866) 609-5033. We’ll be happy to discuss your next project.
