Not all energy efficient windows are the same. Here’s what you need to know in order to make the right choice.
New Jersey is susceptible to extreme weather conditions. You get hot summers well into the 90℉ and above range. But you also get freezing cold winters with temperatures reaching below freezing at their peak. If you are looking for energy-efficient windows, you need something that can withstand the high highs and low lows of New Jersey weather. A cheap, flimsy window with single-pane glass is not the right choice. You want to maintain optimal temperatures in your home all year without worrying about running your heating and cooling system more than necessary.
Make sure whatever windows you choose are made of well-insulated materials. You shouldn’t have any air escaping through the frames. The glass should reflect heat both back into and away from your home. This way, you’re always in control. How exactly do you know what to look for? There are a few factors to keep in mind. Firstly, consider how well the window itself performs. The quality of the materials your window comprises impacts its ability to resist unwanted heat loss and heat gain. But there’s a little bit more to it than that. So let’s take a look!
How Do You Know If You Have an Energy Efficient Window?
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) certifies the performance of every window you buy. They judge energy-efficient windows in several ways:
- Air infiltration
- U-Factor
- R-Value
- Solar Heat Gain
These four categories determine how well your windows maintain the temperature in your home. They represent different functionalities of your window’s frame, glass, and overall manufacturing quality. But the NFRC rating doesn’t tell the story.
How your window is installed (and who installs it) significantly impacts your energy efficiency. It also affects how long your windows last, which decides how much you pay for them in the long run.
What To Look For In an Energy Efficient Window: How to Read the NFRC Label
The NFRC label tells you how well your energy-efficient windows will perform if installed correctly. Always compare the ratings of different windows before choosing one.
Check for Air infiltration.
Air infiltration measures how much of a draft your windows will allow into your home. Lower air infiltration means fewer drafts and a more airtight seal!
Check for U-value.
The U-value measures non-solar heat flow through your window. In other words, it’s all about how much your window allows the heat you pay for to escape your home. You want low numbers. The higher the number, the easier it is for heat to escape.
Check for R-value.
R-Value tells you how much heat your windows resist. When your windows have good heat resistance, they reflect heat and keep it where you want it. That helps you to maintain the temperature that you set.
Check Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.
The sun passing through your windows can heat up your home. Your window’s solar heat gain coefficient shows how much heat from the sun penetrates the glass. Low numbers mean less heat.
What Is The Most Energy Efficient Window?
If you’re in New Jersey, you need an energy-efficient window that can handle the extreme summer and winter temperatures without driving up your energy bills just so you can stay comfortable. There are many options for you to choose from. Double-pane windows are a great place to start. They offer much better insulation than single-pane windows, but without the bulkiness of triple-pane windows. Plus, this type of window is your best bet for climates with extreme temperatures in both directions.
But if you’re investing in a high-quality window, wouldn’t you want to get the most value for your money possible? Not all windows are the same.
Their energy efficiency ratings may be OK. But why accept just OK when you can get the best? In the double pane glass category, our exclusive ThermaLast windows are the most energy efficient windows available with double. We have energy efficiency ratings that the other guys cannot compete with. With ThermaLast, you can save up to 50% on your energy bill. It’s not just energy-efficient windows that we do better, either. Our ThermalBreak installation process goes above and beyond the manufacturer’s guidelines every time.
We are more than just your average general contractor. If you want the best energy-efficient windows money can buy, you need Windows & Doors by The Men with Tools.
Contact us today for a free consultation.