Consumer Rating For Replacement Windows
Whether you are replacing your present windows because the old ones are damaged beyond repair, you just want to make your home look better, or you are trying to be more energy efficient, the most important thing to look for is the consumer rating for your replacement windows.
The consumer rating for replacement windows is controlled by the NFRC. That is the National Fenestration Rating Council. Here is a little bit about them right from their web site at: http://www.nfrc.org/about.aspx
“NFRC is a non-profit organization that administers the only uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, and attachment products. Our goal is to provide fair, accurate, and reliable energy performance ratings so that:
• Architects, builders, code officials, contractors, homeowners, and others can compare different products and make informed product choices.
• Building officials, state government employees, and others involved in code development and enforcement can determine if products meet local codes.
• Government- and utility-run energy efficiency programs can establish performance requirements and standards.
• Manufacturers have a fair and level playing field to compare products and an accurate method of showing the energy benefits of new designs or technology.”
When deciding which replacement windows to purchase by looking at the consumer ratings, you must first determine the primary job of your windows. This chart will help you decide if your windows will mostly be used for heating or cooling. Mostly windows will be sold by location, but this is a big decision and you must insure that you are getting the correct windows for your location!
When you buy replacement windows you want to make sure that they are Energy Star certified. The only way for that to happen is if they have been rated by the NFRC.
Let’s take a look at the NFRC label and see what the numbers mean.
The U factor shows how well it keeps the heat in your home. The lower the number, the better.
The solar heat gain shows how the window keeps the heat out. Again, a lower number is better.
The visible transmittance shows how much light comes through the window. The higher the number, the more light that is let in.
Air leakage shows how much air is leaked through the window. A lower number means less air gets into your home.
Condensation resistance shows the ability of the window to getting condensation on the inside of the window. The higher number means that the window is more resistant.
So no matter what your reason is for replacing your windows, make sure that you pay close attention to the consumer ratings for replacement windows. They should have both the NFRC label and the Energy Star certification.
For a complete list of windows that have been tested, and their results, visit the NFRC web site at: http://search.nfrc.org/
