Don’t underestimate how much regulated air is lost through drafty windows. According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows account for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling. As such installing energy-efficient windows can help improve your home’s energy efficiency as well as indoor comfort.
How can you tell if a window is energy-efficient? By looking for the ENERGY STAR® label. Only windows that have passed the EPA’s stringent performance standards have this label. But how do you choose a window out of hundreds that have ENERGY STAR certifications? By assessing their features.
The roofers and window contractors at DryTech Roofing LLC share some tips on evaluating a window’s features below:
Frames
The window’s frame should be durable enough to handle wear and tear and insulate your home. Wood and fiberglass are common window frame materials with good insulation properties.
Glass Panes
To assess the energy efficiency of a window’s glass panes, you should start with its U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) value, which can be found under the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) ratings label that’s located under the ENERGY STAR label. The lower the U-factor, the better a window’s insulation properties, heat resistance, and energy efficiency. The lower the SHGC value, the less heat from the sun that can pass through your window. If you’re living in a temperate climate, window contractors recommend choosing a window with a low U-factor and SHGC value. For more tips on choosing an energy-efficiency window replacement, consult one of your local window contractors or roofers.
One more thing: To make sure your new windows are installed properly, only experienced contractors should handle the installation.
DryTech Roofing LLC, a company with over two decades of experience, offers a wide range of professional exterior services, including window replacement and roof repair services. To request a quote, call us at (240) 491-5600 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Maryland.