If you are getting ready to purchase replacement windows for your home, you want to be certain that you know if they are energy efficient. Energy efficiency is a vital concern with windows, since it can mean lowered energy bills each month. To be certain that your replacement windows are as energy efficient as you need them to be, you want to know how to read their energy ratings. Here are some things that providers of replacement windows in Scottsdale, AZ want you to know about this.
The first thing you want to know is the U factor. In a replacement window, this is what tells you how resistant the windows are to heat loss. The better the resistance, the higher the insulation levels the windows offer. The U factor is usually between 0.5 and 1.2 with the lower values indicating the windows are more energy efficient. To get this measurement, you have to take into consideration the glazing, the glass, and its framework.
Another thing you need to know is about the solar heat gain coefficient. This is the energy efficiency factor that measures solar radiation. The values lie between 0 and 1. In warmer climates, you want to choose a window with a solar heat gain coefficient that is lower. For colder locations, choose one that is a bit higher so that solar heat can come into your home.
You want to consider visible transmittance. This measures the amount of light the windows allow to pass into the home. As with solar heat gain coefficient it is measured between 0 and 1, with the highest number meaning the windows allow the most amount of light it. What you choose can come down to personal preference, so be sure to consider all of your options.
You also want to know the resistance the windows have to condensation. This is measured on a scale of 1 to 100. The lower the number, the more moisture the window allows to accumulate, which can make mold and mildew likelier. If you live in areas that are already clammy and humid, you will want to have windows that have a higher condensation resistance.
These are some important things you want to know about energy ratings when purchasing replacement windows. It is important to have energy efficient windows to ensure your energy bills each month are not too high and that you are not putting a strain on the environment by running your heating and cooling units more than you have to. If you want to know more about energy ratings or if you have questions when you start thinking of purchasing windows, you will want to reach out to a Scottsdale, AZ replacement windows provider like us at Capstone Windows & Doors. We are here to help you with all of the questions you may have when getting replacement windows so do reach out to us. Give us a call right now or visit us today to speak with one of our experts.