If you’re considering replacing windows in your home, you may be feeling perplexed when it comes to the different ratings associated with them. Information is abundant online regarding window materials, types, and their ratings. We at US Window & Door would love to help educate you on everything you’ll need to consider when choosing the best-rated replacement windows. Replacement window ratings are designed to give consumers information about quality, regulation, and more. Read on below to learn about why replacement windows matter, which brands to consider, what the different rating systems are, and advice on how to read their labels.
First, it’s helpful to understand why replacement windows are needed in homes. Perhaps you’ve noticed a crack or a warp in some of your windows’ frames, or maybe there’s a small nick in the glass, and you’d like to replace the old window before it truly falls to pieces. New windows can help control your home’s energy costs, reduce any outside noise, or even help allow more beautiful light in on a sunny San Diego day. Additional reasons for purchasing replacement windows can include the desire to increase safety, enhance curb appeal, or to minimize the overall maintenance required in your home.
Replacing your household windows is a great way to improve the beauty, value, and comfort you feel while at home. Additionally, it is an excellent long-term investment. Most window design professionals agree that new, quality windows can last between 15 and 20 years! Of course, purchasing top-rated window brands will allow your investment to last even longer.
In today’s marketplace, energy efficiency is top of mind for both homeowners and manufacturers, thanks to new national guidelines in place. Research that has been done by the US Department of Energy (US DOE) estimates that the annual amount of wasted energy costs incurred by homeowners is $35 billion collectively. Since the majority of heat and cold loss is mostly attributed to window leakage, replacing your windows could save you thousands of dollars a year on your energy bill!
US Window & Door carries top-rated windows that are made to not only meet but exceed federal requirements for energy efficiency. For example, companies like Milgard represent not only the finest materials and quality but also the latest advancements in the world of energy efficiency. US Window & Door is proud to offer Milgard windows in San Diego and is their #1 rated dealer in the country. Window ratings are one of the most important factors to be considered when researching which replacement windows you’d like to choose for your home.
What Are The Various Replacement Window Ratings?
When ordering a replacement window, you will notice there is a label containing information regarding energy ratings on the product. Nearly all new energy-efficient windows have a rating sticker on the glass that details the rating for that particular window unit. What do these ratings mean? Who is the NFRC and ENERGY STAR, and why do they put this information out? Do all brands utilize these ratings?
The National Fenestration Rating Council, or NFRC, is an independent, non-profit organization that tests windows (and other products) on a range of performance variables. They have developed and now administered a uniform rating and labeling system for the energy performance of fenestration products. Their main goal is to provide accurate, fair, and dependable information to the public on the energy performance of doors, windows, and skylights.
Every major manufacturer submits their windows for testing by the NFRC. These ratings are essential to prospective buyers, as they assist in recognizing the product’s level of energy efficiency. Thanks to this standardization of window ratings, there is a consistent approach when comparing energy performance across replacement window options. The window manufacturers themselves have no role in determining the rating they will receive, making the NFRC a reliable third-party source.
All NFRC windows provide energy performance ratings broken down into four categories – U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Visible Transmittance (VT), and Air Leakage (AL). In addition, consider the following features when choosing new replacement windows:
You can read more on which materials make up the best energy efficient windows (https://www.uswindow-door.com/blog/cracking-the-mystery-what-makes-the-best-energy-efficient-windows-work/) on our US Window & Door blog as well.
♦ Spacers: Is there a spacing system?
♦ Glass Coating: How many panes will the unit have?
♦ Frame Type: What type of material was used for the window frame?
In addition to the NFRC, the US Department of Energy also provides a trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency: ENERGY STAR ratings. This rating was established to help reduce greenhouse emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy. If you’re considering a unit that has an ENERGY STAR label, rest assured that the product is energy-efficient.
To receive an ENERGY STAR rating, a window must be manufactured by an ENERGY STAR partner, be independently tested and certified by NFRC, and have specific NFRC ratings that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines as set by the US government. There are four regions, or climate zones, for ENERGY STAR ratings, each with their own specific considerations.
This government-backed rating makes it easy to quickly identify energy-efficient products that can offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features, or design. All ENERGY STAR-qualified windows will then have an NFRC label just below it that can help you compare energy efficiency by breaking down a product’s energy performance even further.
The best energy-efficient windows will certainly always have the label as detailed above. However, not all window brands are the same. Companies like Milgard will always have this label, as they are consistently voted to be the best at energy efficiency, exceeding all state and federal requirements. US Window & Door carries eight Milgard product lines, with each window receiving its own NFRC rating.
San Diego homeowners are choosing Milgard’s windows over any other window not only for their energy efficiency, but also for their security and design. With multiple design awards won in the last decade, these durable, energy-efficient windows are made to last and will increase the beauty of your home. Renovating with Milgard windows is a smart and safe choice, as well as a great-looking one!
US Window & Door is proud to carry and install these top-rated windows.
In addition to their quality NFRC ratings, Milgard windows also come with a lifetime warranty. On top of that, US Window & Door provides an additional lifetime warranty on installations. Both of these together guarantee that it goes above and beyond industry standards, making US Window & Door and Milgard the best choice for your San Diego home or office replacement windows.
What Should You Look For In Replacement Window Ratings
So, what kind of information should you be looking for in your replacement window (https://www.uswindow-door.com/services/window-replacement/) ratings? San Diego homeowners looking to replace their window units should consider the consistent amount of sunlight the area receives. The amount of sunlight in Southern California plays a significant role in determining which windows are best suited for your San Diego home.
NFRC Ratings
Every National Fenestration Rating Council window label is broken down into quadrants, with at least four numbers listed. Without understanding what each number on this label means, reading it can be very confusing! Let’s break down what each number signifies and what makes the best-rated replacement windows work.
In the top left quadrant of the NFRC label, you’ll find the U-Factor. The U-Factor rating measures the ability of the product to prevent heat from escaping a structure, i.e., your home. This number has a range of 0.20 to 1.20. The lower the number, the better the product is at keeping heat inside. This is important for winter months but is of generally little importance for San Diego homes.
Next, in the top right quadrant, you’ll see the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). This number measures the amount of heat that is blocked from the sun. This number measures how well a product can repel unwanted heat gain, which is especially important during the summer months when you’re running your cooling system more often. The value for SHGC is expressed between 0.00 and 1.00. The lower the number, the less you’ll spend on running air conditioning in your home.
The number in the lower-left quadrant of the label is Visible Transmittance. This number is responsible for indicating how much visible light the window allows in during daylight hours, potentially saving you money on artificial lighting inside. The range for Visible Transmittance is between 0.00 and 1.00. The higher the value, the more natural light your window can let in. In some ways, this number also affects how warm your home can be as well. If more light is let in on sunny days, the warmer your home will be. We’d be happy to help you find the perfect rating number depending on the orientation of the windows in your home.
Finally, in the lower right quadrant, you have Air Leakage. This number measures how much air will enter through a product. If you want to know how much air could possibly penetrate your home, check this measurement. Air leakage typically falls in between the values of 0.10 and 0.30. The lower the value, the more efficient the window is at keeping drafty gusts out.
Additionally, though not included on all NFRC labels as it is an optional metric, there is also a standard for a window’s Condensation Resistance. The higher this number is, the better the product resists condensation. Condensation Resistance ranges between 1 and 100. The higher the number, the better the window resists condensation. For more information on all of these numbers, please visit www.nfrc.org or contact us today.
ENERGY STAR ratings
When considering ENERGY STAR ratings, it is first essential to consult their climate map and the associated Climate Zones. All ENERGY STAR designated windows are specifically labeled for the respective climatic zones that they are qualified for. Just above the NFRC ratings, you’ll see a map of the US that highlights where the window is certified to be energy efficient.
Northern & North-Central
♦ U- Factor is less than or equal to .27, the SHGC can be any rating
♦ U- Factor is less than or equal to .28, the SHGC greater than 0.32
♦ U- Factor is less than or equal to .29, the SHGC greater than 0.37
♦ U- Factor is less than or equal to .30, the SHGC greater than 0.42
South-Central
♦ U- Factor is less than or equal to .30, the SHGC greater than 0.40
Southern
♦ U- Factor is less than or equal to .30, the SHGC greater than 0.25
Together, both the US Department of Energy and the National Fenestration Rating Council have created a robust, impartial rating system that helps thousands of consumers find the perfect energy-efficient window for their home or office. Understanding how these ratings work will allow you to choose the ideal windows for your home. Be considerate of the exact requirements your home has and take the time to do your research.
Choose the Best
US Window & Door carries only the finest products that not only meet but exceed the US Department of Energy’s federal guidelines for energy efficiency. Renovating your San Diego home with Milgard windows is an energy-efficient choice, as well as a great-looking one! Their quality, top-rated windows are made to last, increase the beauty of your home, and provide you with a peaceful environment from outside noise as well as variation in weather. Contact us at any time if you have questions, feel free to request an online quote to get started or call for a free in-home evaluation and estimate for your project.
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