Understanding your Energy Label

The weather is changing and your Gulf Coast window experts are excited about the cooler weather. Unfortunately many of you will experience drafty homes during blustery days.  It's very evident during chilly nights when your heater is on.   Weather along the  Gulf coast can be erratic at times as well as your energy bill.  That being said if you're looking for replacement windows you've probably seen one of these:

The National Fenestration Rating Council has designed an energy-performance label to guide contractors and homeowners in their search for the perfect window.NFRC Certified (upper left corner) indicates that the National Fenestration Ratings Council has licensed the window's manufacturer and certified the window's performance in accordance with NFRC's standards. The upper right corner (indicated where "World's Best Window Co.") identifies the window's manufacturer, model, style and the materials used in its construction.

Energy Performance Ratings
What is the The U-factor?  U-Factor ratings for windows generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the U-value, the better that window is at keeping heat in. This is particularly important during winter.

What is the The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient?  SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC number the better as this number tells the power of the window in reflecting solar heat. This is important during the Gulf coast hotter seasons.

What is Visible Transmittance?  VT is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The higher the VT the higher for potential for daytime lighting. This is important if you like to keep your lights off and bring in natural lighting in... Saving you money.

What is Air Leakage?  AL generally falls between .1 and .3.  The lower the AL rating the better as this is important in keeping the air inside your home and not leaking out. Some window manufacturers may choose to opt out of this.

If you need help understanding this further give Wonderful Windows and Siding a call today at 281-565-3565 or schedule a FREE CONSULTATION by logging on to our website.