Efficiency Labels You Should Know Before Buying Energy Efficient Windows | Plano, TX

Efficiency Labels You Should Know Before Buying Energy Efficient Windows | Plano, TX

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Many benefits come with energy efficient windows, the topmost being resale value addition and increased aesthetics value. These windows are a perfect option for homeowners or, rather, environment conservation enthusiasts that work hard to ensure they consume as little energy as possible in their homes.

Conventional and defective windows account for about 25 to 30 percent of cooling and heating energy used in US homes. Consider upgrading to energy efficient windows if you need to reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills.

However, almost every good thing comes with a downside, and these windows aren’t left out. These windows are expensive to install and maintain. For that reason, homeowners need to know the best quality, brand, and features to consider while purchasing the product.

It would be so frustrating to invest in fake or substandard energy efficient windows that will break down after a short period, prompting you to look for replacement or repair services.

That said, let’s examine some of the efficiency labels you should look out for while shopping for these windows in Plano, TX.

ENERGY STAR Certification Label

While walking from store to store trying to find the best windows for your home, ENERGY STAR labels are one of the characteristics to look out for. These labels are unique and can’t be altered by scammers.

The labels imply the manufacturer of the energy efficient window is an authorized partner of ENERGY STAR. It also means the windows are tested, verified, and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This label also insinuates that the windows have passed the strict energy efficiency guidelines of EPA.

NFRC Certification Label

NFCR is a not-for-profit and independent organization that creates energy performance ratings for skylights, windows, and doors. The organization aims to help businesses and homeowners contrast products in the market and arrive at informed decisions on the item that will suit their needs.

It also compares the performance of energy efficient windows through several ratings, including U-Factor, Air Leakage, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, and Visible Transmittance. Some of the test standards of NFCR include NFCR 500, 200, 100, and 400.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient calculates the amount of radiation and heat that passes through window panes into your home. The SHGC measurements range from zero to one. The lower the HSGC number the lesser the amount of radiation and heat penetrating through the windows.

Look for energy efficient windows with a lower SHGC measurement value if the amount of sunlight that enters your home through windows is unbearable. Consequently, consider upgrading to these windows with high SHGC values to collect more solar heat if you live in cold areas if you have windows with a low SHGC value.

U-Value Factor

Also called the window U-Factor, U-Value is responsible for evaluating heat transfer rates on the windows. It suggests the amount of heat that’s gained or lost through the windows. As maintained by Energy Star, window U-values range from 0.25 to 1.25.

Windows with the lowest U-value are more energy efficient than those with high U-values. In case your conventional windows let in a lot of sunlight that, in turn, increase the temperature in your home during hot summers, consider consulting with your trusted window technician to install energy efficient ones.

Air Leakage

Air leakage is the measurement of air that a window allows in from the outside environment. The measurement process also entails evaluating the amount of air that enters your home from the environment. Air leakage ratings range between 0.1 and 0.3.

Consider getting a professional to replace your drafty windows with more airtight energy efficient ones. Energy-saving windows are known to have a lower air leakage rating. Drafty windows allow your heated or cooled air to escape to the outside environment.

It means your HVAC unit will have to overwork to cover up for the lost air. It can yield high electricity bills and reduce the lifespan of your system due to overworking. Look for a window expert to offer window replacement services to prevent such issues in your home.

Visible Transmittance

Visible transmittance ratings will help you know how much light passes through your windows. The rates range from zero to one. The lower the rating, the lesser the amount of light that gets in your house.

You may ask your technician to suggest the best visible transmittance value for these windows you want to purchase. Selecting the ratings will depend on where you live and the amount of light you want to enter your home.

NAMI Structural Certification Label

The National Accreditation and Management Institute (NAMI) is an independent organization that conducts inspections on windows and certifies those with the recommended performance ratings based on SHGC and U-factor values.

A NAMI certification label entails the name of the manufacturer, the performance level achieved by the manufacturing entity, and the serial or model name of the product. It is an important label to look out for when selecting quality energy efficient windows for your Plano, TX home.

American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Certification label

Energy efficient windows with the AAMA label undergo three tests, one for structural strength, the second for water leakage, and the third for air leakage. However, some products are only tested for thermal performance, and for these windows, you’ll see a silver certification label.

A gold label is attached to energy efficient windows that pass water and air leakage, thermal performance, and structural strength tests. You should pick windows with the gold label to be assured of high-efficiency levels.

Get All-inclusive Window Services Today!

Energy Window Solutions has been in business for over 30 years providing comprehensive window solutions to homeowners in Plano, TX.

Our experienced technicians offer installation, replacements, and repair services for energy efficient windows. They also develop and execute personalized maintenance plans for all window types. Additionally, we install and repair doors, gutters, and siding.