If you’re considering new windows for your Lehigh Valley home, you may have noticed that there are a lot of terms and features related to energy efficiency. And they’re not always easy to understand without a guide.
Yet it pays to understand these terms and ratings, because they help you evaluate different windows with ease. Navigate these features wisely, and you’ll enjoy a comfortable, efficient home that stays cool in summer, warm in winter, and keeps those utility bills manageable.
Here are the basics of energy efficiency ratings so you can choose replacement windows you’ll truly love.
Lehigh Valley Window Installers Replacement Windows
Energy Star vs. NFRC — What’s the Difference?
You’ll likely see these two terms kicked around as you research different window brands and product lines. But what do they mean?
ENERGY STAR Rating
ENERGY STAR® is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. The ENERGY STAR label indicates that a product meets governmental guidelines of efficiency. To earn the label, a window must provide good insulation and prevent the transfer of heat through the glass
The NFRC Label
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is an independent non-profit organization that establishes objective energy performance ratings so consumers can make informed decisions about their replacement windows. The NFRC label defines energy efficiency with specific numbers so you can compare different products effectively.