Have you checked your bills lately? If the amount is less than you expected, then congratulations! If you notice a spike in the zeroes, however, it might be time to think of more energy saving options for your home. Read on to learn more about one of the most reliable options for energy savings.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 30 percent or more of a home’s energy is lost through inefficient windows. This really puts a strain on your wallet every month. With that in mind, it might be a good idea to invest in replacement windows that reduce your bills while keeping your home comfortable. How do you know if the windows you want are energy-efficient?
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is an independent, nonprofit organization that operates a voluntary program that certifies and labels windows based on energy performance. This provides a reliable way to measure the energy saving properties of your window.
When looking for new replacement windows consider the following:
1. U-Value—This is the only measurement accepted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® program. U-value evaluates the rate of heat flow through a window. The lower the U-value, the more energy efficient the window. This means lower heat gain from light that enters your home.
2. R-Value—R-value measures the resistance of glass to heat flow. A window with high R-Value glass means excellent insulating performance. This ensures that your home stays cool during hot months.
3. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)—This rating determines how well a product blocks heat from sunlight. It is beneficial to choose windows with lower SHGC because they transmit less solar heat.
4. Air leakage—This means the rate of air movement around a window. If your windows have low air leakage, it means they have a tighter seal. This prevents warmth from escaping your home during winter, therefore reducing your heating costs.
If your replacement windows have met the above standards, then you’re all good. Any energy-efficient window, however, is only as good as its installer. For your window replacement needs, look no further than Madison Products.
Our windows are among the most energy efficient in the market today. We use advanced glass technology in our products like Low-E glass, which maximizes your home’s efficiency by reducing heat gain and loss. It also allows filtered light to enter through your window while reflecting most of the heat back to its source. It does so with microscopically thin layers of oxidized metal applied to the glass surface.
The experts at Madison Products are always ready to help you save energy and maintain your home’s beauty and comfort. Contact us today for a free estimate.