Air infiltration (and escape) through windows are responsible for as much as 30% of residential heating and cooling costs, according the Department of Energy. That makes replacing old windows with up-to-date energy efficient windows a critical consideration for homeowners looking to cut energy costs.
What should you look for if you want to invest in windows that conserve energy and reduce utility expenses?
ENERGY STAR Label
Windows with an ENERGY STAR label have earned the government’s seal of approval when it comes to energy-efficiency. The label was established to improve the efficiency of consumer energy usage in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The label makes it easier for you to find windows (and other home products) that will help reduce energy bills without sacrificing performance, features, and comfort.
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Energy Performance Label
While the ENERGY STAR label lets you know that a window is energy-efficient, the NRFC label lets you compare the window’s efficiency to comparable products. It breaks down the product’s energy performance into multiple categories, including:
- U-factor (how well a window can keep heat from escaping a room),
- solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) (how well it can resist undesirable heat gain),
- air leakage (how much room can potentially enter a room through the window), and
- visible transmittance (how well it can effectively light your home with daylight, saving money on artificial lighting).
Low U-Factor
A lower U-factor ensures that you’re keeping heat in during the winter and not cooling down the whole neighborhood in the summer.
Low SHGC
A lower solar heat gain coefficient is especially important in areas with warm summers. The lower the SHGH, the less heat gain you’ll experience during those peak heat summer months.
Low Air Leakage
Conversely, lower air leakage is critically important during bitterly cold winters. A low leakage rate means fewer drafts mid-winter.
High Visible Transmittance
While you don’t want radiant heat or air infiltration, daylight is always a welcome break from artificial lighting. An energy efficient window will allow for plenty of natural light without the heat.
Professional Installation
To ensure energy efficiency, curb appeal, and lasting comfort, windows should be installed by trained professionals according to the instructions provided by the window manufacturer. Otherwise, you may lose some of the benefits of the window and even void the warranty.
At Kasson & Keller, we provide top-of-the-line energy efficient windows with upgraded DOE R5 glazing packages approved by the Department of Energy. Our Ecoshield vinyl windows are built with sustainable materials and designed to deliver ultimate satisfaction through advanced technology energy efficiency, visual appeal, and peace of mind for every builder and homeowner. Our family has been servicing the Northeast with time-proven products, deep industry knowledge, and personal integrity since 1946, and we’re here to help you improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Interested? Learn more about Kasson & Keller’s customizable vinyl windows by contacting us at customerservice@kassonkeller.com.
