Almost half of the energy used in your home goes toward heating and cooling. Windows and doors are a big contributing factor to heat exchange between the interior and exterior of your home. Reducing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home with energy efficient windows and doors results in lower utility bills and more money in your pocket.
What features contribute towards energy efficiency?
- Multiple panes of glass- dual or triple panes
- LowE glass coatings- A special coating that reflects heat away from your home in the summer and reflects heat back into your home in the winter. Low-E coatings also block the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays to prevent fading in your furniture, carpets, curtains, and wall coverings.
- Argon Gas- A colorless gas inserted between the panes of glass to provide extra insulation from temperature extremes.
Also, look for the Energy Star logo and check the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-factor on the NFRC label on each window and door for energy efficiency.
What is the NFRC?
The National Fenestration Rating Council is a nonprofit organization that was formed in 1989 to compare the energy performance of different products. The NFRC label provides reliable information about the energy performance of the whole product, not just the glass.
What is Energy Star? Energy Star is a joint venture between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to identify and promote energy efficient solutions to help consumers save money and protect the environment. Choosing products with the Energy Star label can provide savings on heating and cooling bills without sacrificing features, style or comfort.
What is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)?
This number reflects the amount of solar heat that is admitted through a window. The lower the SHGC, the better the ability of a window to block the heat from the sun.
What is the U-factor?
This number reflects the amount of heat loss out of a window or door. The lower the U-factor, the better the product is at insulating a room.
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