You’ve heard that some windows are more energy-efficient than others. But how exactly do you check if they are? It’s simple – you just need to take a closer look at the windows’ black-and-white National Fenestration Rating Council® (NFRC) label. You’ll notice that the windows are rated by their solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and U-value.
Both ratings have something to do with a windows’ ability to manage heat transfer. While they appear to be similar, SHGC and U-value actually have a slight difference.
Window U-Value
The U-value measures the amount of heat transferred into your home through the window glass. Its rating is represented by a number between 0.20 and 1.20. Windows with lower U-value offer better insulation, which means they transmit less heat. Since excess outdoor heat can’t find its way into your home via the window glass, you won’t have to rely as much on your air conditioner to keep your rooms cool and comfortable. This, in turn, allows you to save a fair amount on your energy bills.
Window SHGC
Unlike U-value, the SHGC measures the amount of solar heat that enters your home via the windows. Its rating is characterized by numbers between 0 and 1. Windows with high SHGC allow more solar heat into your home. They should prove useful during the colder season because of the passive solar heating they can provide your home.
Where to Find Energy-Efficient Windows
Aside from the NFRC label, which contains SHGC and U-value ratings, you should also look for the blue and white ENERGY STAR® label on your replacement window. The presence of this label means the window has passed stringent energy performance ratings set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Renewal by Andersen® of Northwest Ohio takes pride in the fact that our high-quality replacement windows are all ENERGY STAR-qualified. With our options, keeping a thermally comfortable and energy-efficient home becomes much easier.
Request a Window Quote
Renewal by Andersen of Northwest Ohio remains the numero uno for exceptional window replacement services in Lucas County and beyond. Give us a call today at (419) 931-6970, or fill out this contact form to schedule a window consultation. We proudly serve homeowners in and around Toledo, OH.
