Windows are rated in a variety of categories that measure their energy efficiency. If you are choosing windows for your home, extra emphasis should be placed on different ratings based on where the home is located in. For instance, if you are shopping for replacement windows in Phoenix, Arizona, a sunny and warm location, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is quite likely the most crucial rating to consider. Other variables, such as the orientation of a window to the sun and the amount of shade which is present need to be taken into account.

The U.S. Government's Energy Star program is intended to make it easier for consumers to identify energy efficient products and practices that will save them money and protect the environment. The Energy Star program scores over 60 products, including windows. Energy Star certification makes it very simple for shoppers to ensure they are getting energy efficient replacement windows.

All Energy Star replacement windows are scored in five areas however Energy Star qualification is solely based on the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. The U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient are also the categories utilized to determine if a window qualifies for the IRS Energy Tax Credit.

U-Factor
Measures the speed of heat transfer and illustrates how effectively a window insulates. The lower the U-Factor rating, the better a window insulates. The window U-Factor includes the thermal characteristics of the frame in addition to the glazing.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Calculates the solar energy transmitted by the window and signifies how effectively a window inhibits heat caused by sunlight. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat a window transmits.

Visable Transmittance (VT)
Determines the amount of light a window lets through. The greater the Visable Transmittance, the more light you see.

Air Leakage (AL)
Calculates the pace at which air passes through joints in a window. Air Leakage is calculated in cubic feet of air passing through one square foot of window area in a minute. The lower the Air Leakage value, the less air that is leaked.

Condensation Resistance
Measures how effectively 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 some alternative ratings that are not incorporated on the NFRC Energy Star label however they are helpful and show up on some windows.

Light to Solar Gain
The ratio of VT (see above) to SHGC (see above) measures the amount of light transmitted without adding heat. A higher number indicates that more light is transmitted without adding heat.

R-Value
R-Value was established as a way to rate the insulation value of a product. It determines conductivity and illustrates the resistance to heat flow. A high R-Value means a better insulated window. Almost all windows today are measured using U-Factor (see above).

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