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Energy Efficient Window Ratings
Windows are rated in various categories which calculate their energy efficiency. If you are shopping for windows for your house, extra emphasis should be placed on different ratings based on the climate 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 probably the most significant rating to take into account. Other criteria, such as the orientation of a window to the sun and the amount of shade that may be present should be taken into account.
The U.S. Government's Energy Star program is designed to make it easy for consumers to identify energy efficient products and practices which will save them money and preserve the environment. The Energy Star program scores over 60 products, including windows. Energy Star certification makes it 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 solely determined on the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. The U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient are also the categories used to determine if a window qualifies for the IRS Energy Tax Credit.
U-Factor
Measures the rate of heat transfer and indicates how effectively a window insulates. The smaller the U-Factor rating, the more effectively a window insulates. The window U-Factor includes the thermal properties of the frame as well as the glazing.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Calculates the solar energy transmitted by the window and denotes how well a window inhibits heat caused by the sun's energy. The smaller the SHGC, the less solar heat a window transmits.
Visable Transmittance (VT)
Determines the amount of light a window lets through. The higher 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 that passes through 1 square foot of window area in a 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 permits.
Other Replacement Window Ratings
There are a few alternative ratings that are not included on the NFRC Energy Star label however they are helpful and appear on some windows.
Light to Solar Gain
The ratio of Visable Transmittance to Solar Heat Gain Coefficient calculates the amount of light transmitted without adding heat. A higher number means 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 implies a better insulated window. The majority windows today are measured using U-Factor (see above).
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