When you are buying new windows, you will probably notice a lot of numbers and labels printed on them. These numbers can look confusing at first, but they tell you how good the window is at saving energy and keeping your home comfortable.
To help you shop smarter, this replacement windows company in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin is going to explain what these labels mean in simple terms below.
Making sense of the NFRC label.
The NFRC label is issued by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), which is a trusted third-party organization that rates windows for energy efficiency. You will find different numbers on this label, and you want these numbers to be low. Low numbers mean the window is better at saving energy and keeping your home comfortable.
For example, one number you will see is the U-factor. This tells you how well the window keeps heat inside your house. A lower U-factor is better because it means less heat escapes, so your home stays warm in the winter. The best double-pane windows have a U-factor of 0.30 or lower, and triple-pane windows can go as low as 0.15.
Another number on the label is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures how much heat from the sun enters through the window. If the SHGC is 0.30, it means only 30% of the sun's heat gets inside. Learning to read these numbers will help you choose windows that limit the solar heat that comes inside your home so you can keep your home comfortable throughout the year.
Verify Energy Star certification.
The NFRC label tells you a lot about a window's performance, but it does not guarantee that your window meets energy standards. For that, you need to look for a separate "ENERGY STAR" label. This label shows that the window has been tested to meet the newest ENERGY STAR 7 standards.
You should know that ENERGY STAR windows are made for different climate zones. For example, a window designed for hot and sunny states like Arizona might not be ideal in a place like Wisconsin. If you live in Wisconsin, you need a window with a U-factor of 0.22 or lower and an SHGC of 0.17 or higher.
Choosing ENERGY STAR windows can also help you save money. You might qualify for an energy tax credit of up to $600 per year under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, but only if the windows have the "ENERGY STAR Most Efficient" label.
When shopping for your windows, it’s best to consult with a professional replacement windows company in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. They can make sure you choose windows that meet all these standards.
Choose the right windows to improve your home's comfort, lower energy bills, and prevent issues like drafts.
Window label numbers directly impact how comfortable your home will be and how much money you will spend on heating and cooling. Choosing the right windows can reduce your utility bills and prevent drafts and other problems like condensation and mold growth.
The good news is you don't have to figure out your window needs on your own. A professional replacement windows company in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin will take the time to help you understand the NFRC label, find windows that qualify for tax credits, and make sure you get the best windows for your home.
Looking for a Replacement Windows Company in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin?
Are your home’s windows past their prime? Ready for an upgrade? If so, and if you are looking for the best replacement windows company in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, our team at WASCO Windows is here to help. Contact us today to begin the process.
