Window Ratings Explained: A Guide For The
Perfect Replacement Windows In Newton
Cut Through The Technical Jargon And Make
Confident Decisions For All Your Window
Replacement Projects
Choosing the right replacement windows for your Newton home can be overwhelming. There are many different types of windows on the market – you have to consider different colors, styles, and even materials. The options are endless!
When selecting the right replacement windows for your home’s aesthetic, you should also consider key performance ratings to help you make an informed decision.
Window ratings might seem like another language, but they could be your roadmap to selecting the most effective windows for your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Since 1994, RJW Exteriors has provided premium window replacements throughout Northern New Jersey. We’ll walk you through the most common window ratings and help you understand what to look for when choosing windows for your home.
U-Factor Ratings For Newton Windows
One of the most critical ratings for homeowners is the U-factor rating. This rating measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping the home. Lower U-factor numbers typically indicate better insulation, while higher numbers are less effective at stabilizing indoor temperatures.
This rating typically ranges between .10 to 2.00 and is the top-left number on all NFRC labels.
With Northern New Jersey’s cold winters, windows with low U-factor ratings help prevent heat loss and reduce heating costs.
R-Value Ratings For Replacement
Windows
R-values are similar to U-factors, but these two ratings are distinct. While U-factor rates how well a window can prevent heat loss, R-values refer to a window’s insulation resistance. The higher the R-value, the better the window blocks heat transfer.
Typically, residential windows have an R-value of 13, but our replacement windows have an R-value of 21!
Energy Star-Certified Windows
You may have seen Energy Star certifications on windows, but what does it mean?
For one, Energy Star is more than just a label – it’s a promise of high-quality performance. To earn the designation, Energy Star-certified windows must meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The requirements for this label vary by area. It also ensures that the windows meet specific U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) standards. Energy Star-certified windows can help save you a lot in energy costs and may also qualify you for tax credits or rebates.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient Ratings (SHGC) For
Replacement Windows
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings may seem like a mouthful, but these are required ratings that measure the average amount of solar heat that can enter a window.
The SHGC rating, which ranges between 0.00 and 1.00, is found in the top-right number on all NFRC labels. If the number is lower, the window gains less heat.
The lower the number, the better suited the window is for hotter climates. So, the right rating depends on your area’s climate and the exact window’s orientation.
Lower ratings work best for hotter climates, where you need more energy efficiency and need to prevent rooms from getting overheated. Higher ratings, on the other hand, can work well for colder climates because these windows can help warm your home naturally.
Air Leakage For Newton Windows
Some windows have air leakage ratings, and others don’t. Either way, this optional rating refers to the volume of air that a window can allow to enter a home. You can find this rating on the middle or bottom row of an NFRC label on the right-hand side.
Air leakage numbers typically are less than or greater than .3. The lower the number, the less air leakage. If your windows are labeled higher than a .3 rating, it can disqualify a building from Energy Star certification.
Low air leakage ratings have many benefits, including lower utility bills, more comfort control, and fewer drafts.
Visible Transmittance And Replacement
Windows
Visible transmittance is another mandatory rating that measures the amount of solar light entering a home through its windows. Look for this rating in the middle or bottom row on the left side of an NFRC label.
This rating ranges from 0.00 to 1.00, and the higher the number, the more natural light can pass through your window. Windows with high ratings can help reduce the need for artificial lighting in your home and can directly affect your electric bills.
An extra benefit of high visible transmittance ratings is that it can even prevent your furniture, art, or wood floors from fading!
Replacement Windows With Condensation
Resistance
Not all windows have condensation resistance metrics, but these are still essential for homeowners to know. The condensation resistance rating measures a window’s ability to prevent moisture from entering the home.
These ratings can range between 1 and 100. If the rating is high, there will be less condensation on and around your home. In Newton, where we often experience colder temperatures, this high rating can be pretty important.
High condensation-resistant windows protect against the cold and can also prevent the development of mold and mildew.
Understanding window ratings can empower you to make informed decisions about which windows will work for your Newton home.
With the right windows, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and even value. So, don’t hesitate to take your time and compare ratings.
RJW Exteriors also has 30 years of experience helping homeowners choose the right window replacements. We use only top-rated products and stylish, durable, high-performance materials. If you’re considering replacement windows for your Newton home, trust the expertise of RJW Exteriors. Call us today at [tel:] to schedule a quote!
