It is important to carefully consider your options prior to pulling the trigger on replacing those windows. Modern windows are available in an incredible variety of styles, each with a different rating to help you understand their performance.
The Best Windows for Your Job
There is no single window that will work for every home. This means that you have many options. There will be many styles and types to choose from. Each style will have features that will increase your energy efficiency, keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
You should first choose the type of window and cladding material you prefer. Once you have settled on your window style and cladding materials, you will be able to apply for the NFRC label.
What Is on an Nfrc Label?
The NFRC sticker is a helpful sticker that was created by the National Fenestration Rating Council. It helps you understand exactly what you get from your window purchase. This label contains a lot of information and can be used to help you understand how your windows will perform in different weather conditions.
Here’s what you will see on the label.
- U Factor. This tells you how much heat your windows will lose compared to other windows. A lower value means there is less heat transfer between the glass. This can be as low as 0.30 in double-pane windows or 0.15 in triple-pane windows. This measurement only measures non-solar heat flux. If your home is heated by passive solar, don’t hesitate choosing a low U factor.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. (SHGC). This part of the label will be very important for passive solar homes. It shows how much solar radiation can pass through your window and be released into your home. Low SHGC windows transmit less radiation and are better at shading in summer. High SHGC windows let more radiation through the glass, which can increase heat in your home. Low SHGC windows are great for extremely hot, sun-intense regions like the desert southwest. High SHGC windows are ideal for homes that don’t experience intense summer heat and would benefit from extra heat being transferred indoors.
- Visible Transmittance. Do indoor lights make you happy? While most people like indoor light, it isn’t always the best for every place. There are many options for windows. Visible transmittance is the amount of light that can pass through interior spaces. This rating is a range of 0 to 1, where 0 transmits the least light and 1 transmits the most.
- Leakage. Drafty Windows are almost an occurrence in older homes that have older windows. However, they don’t need to be with well-designed, properly-installed new windows. Higher numbers indicate more air leakage and lower numbers indicate less. This number depends on the windows being properly installed, which can sometimes be difficult for homeowners to do by themselves. Ask for help to maximize your investment.
- Resistance to Condensation. When moist air touches window glass that is significantly cooler, condensation forms. High numbers indicate that your windows are resistant to condensation. Even though condensation is generally a cosmetic problem, it can also cause long-term problems. This label should be carefully considered if condensation is a problem in your area.
