A Primer on NFRC Labels

Energy-efficient windows are in vogue and slowly becoming the norm. However, not all energy-efficient windows are created equally. Your local climate may demand a different level of performance from your windows than other regions in the country. Understanding what energy performance ratings are all about is key to finding high-performance windows that are tailored to meet the unique requirements of your specific climate.

Reading the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label is the best way to understand how a window will perform in a given climate. Read on as [company_name] sheds light on important energy ratings for windows:

U-Factor

This measurement tells you how well energy saving windows can prevent the indoor heat from escaping. Ranging from 0.20 to 1.20, a lower number means the product is better at reducing thermal transfer.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

This metric refers to window’s efficiency at reflecting unwanted solar heat. Ranging from 0 to 1, a lower value means the product is better at preventing heat gain.

Visible Transmittance

This measurement pertains to the ability of double-hung, picture, bay, bow, sliding, specialty and casement windows to admit daylight into the home. Ranging from 0 to 1, the higher the number, the more useful the product is for daylighting.

Air Leakage

This measures how airtight the product is. Ranging from 0.1 to 0.3, lower values are more airtight.

If you live in Albany County, it’s a good idea to choose window replacement products with a U-factor of 0.27 or less and any SHGC value. This way, you can meet ENERGY STAR’s requirements for the Northern Climate Zone.

Turn to Renewal by Andersen of Eastern New York to buy energy-efficient replacement windows with optimum NFRC ratings. Call us at [company_phone] today to schedule your in-home consultation and learn about the different energy performance ratings of our products. We’ll be happy to discuss your needs and provide you a free estimate.