|
|
Overview Replacement Window Ratings
Windows are rated in various categories that measure their energy efficiency. If you are choosing windows for your house, greater emphasis should be placed on different ratings based on the climate the home is located in. For instance, if you are shopping for replacement windows in Phoenix, Arizona, a sunny and warm climate, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is quite likely the most crucial rating to consider. Other circumstances, such as the orientation of a window to the sun and any shade that may be present ought to be considered.
The U.S. Government's Energy Star program is designed to make it easier for consumers to identify energy efficient products and practices that will save them money and safeguard the environment. The Energy Star program rates over 60 products, including windows. Energy Star certification makes it simple for consumers to ensure they are getting energy efficient replacement windows.
All Energy Star replacement windows are rated in five areas however Energy Star qualification is based only on the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. The U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient are also the categories used to determine if a window qualifies for the IRS Energy Tax Credit.
U-Factor
Measures the rate of heat transfer and illustrates how effectively a window insulates. The lower the U-Factor rating, the more efficiently a window insulates. The window U-Factor incorporates the thermal properties of the frame and the glazing.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Measures the solar energy transmitted by the window and denotes how effectively a window inhibits heat caused by sunlight. The smaller the SHGC, the less solar heat a window transmits.
Visable Transmittance (VT)
Measures the amount of light a window lets through. The higher the Visable Transmittance, the more light you see.
Air Leakage (AL)
Measures the pace at which air passes through joints in a window. Air Leakage is calculated in cubic feet of air passing through 1 square foot of window area per minute. The lower the Air Leakage value, the less air leakage.
Condensation Resistance
Measures how well a window prevents water build-up. The greater the Condensation Resistance factor, the less condensation build-up a window allows.
Other Replacement Window Ratings
There are a few other ratings that are not included on the NFRC Energy Star label but they are helpful and appear on some windows.
Light to Solar Gain
The ratio of VT (see above) to SHGC (see above) determines the amount of light that is transmitted without adding heat. A higher number signifies that more light is transmitted without adding heat.
R-Value
R-Value was created as a way to rate the insulation value of something. It determines conductivity and illustrates the resistance to heat flow. A high R-Value means a better insulated window. The majority of windows today are measured using U-Factor (see above).
Total Carpet Care, What You Have To Be Cautious For. After the expense of putting a carpet into your home, it is a worthwhile to take care of it. Keeping a clean carpet also assures a healthy living environment. Even regular vacuuming alone does not always ensure that your carpet is clean. There are several different ways to care for your carpet.
Garden Design Ideas Is Utilised By People On Their House Home and garden furniture can be made from wicker and wood. Metal and plastic garden furniture can be utilised, but would probably be considered inappropriate to adorn this region of your home.
Discovering Where To Find Cheap Table Lamps Is Usually Effortless! When darkness falls, human nature causes us to resort back to feelings experienced by earlier peoples. In ancient times, when the sun went down, clearly there was no electricity and no lights to start up to keep the darkness at bay
Conservatories Gloucester Enable You To Get Extra Space To Your House With UPVC Conservatories As A Brand New To Extensions Improving the space in your home is not an easy task. So many people look for different ways to keep their home clutter free. Often the cost of the units prevent them from choosing the best unit and everyone always ends up with wood units.
Ceramic Tile Patterns - Best Way To Design Your Home I am so happy to say that you have come to the right article if you are looking for ceramic tile patterns. Some people make things all too complicated. Did you know that there are easy patterns when you are working with tiles that can still be beautiful and interesting?
Cheap Table Lamps Can Still Bring Style And Functionality To Your Home When you go shopping for lamps for your home do not forget to look at the cheap table lamps. Major retailers are now offering some very stylish lamps at reasonable prices. The more expensive retailers often have a less expensive section.
Dual Features Of HVAC Systems Which Could Heat Your Home In Winter And Keep It Cool In The Summer Time Heating and air conditioning systems have the dual function of heating your home in winter and keeping it cool in the summer months. They can be fueled by gas, oil and electricity.
Builders Gloucestershire: Tips On How To Undertake A Garage Modification Scheme In The Best Way Possible Many homeowners today are converting their garage. Some decide to do a garage conversion in order to improve their homes, while some people convert their garage into an extra bedroom in order to accommodate an expanding family.
Wall Candle Sconces - Light Up The Dark Space Through A Novel Wall Candle Sconce Have you been looking at wall candle sconces? There are many people that want to light up a dark room but are not sure what the best method would be. Wall candle sconces can really change the way that a room looks and feels because of the difference in lighting.
|
More Articles
Blogroll
|