Window - Replacement Ratings

There are several rating systems that provide information about the energy efficiency of a replacement window and how that window performs. There are different measures in which to rate energy efficiency, however the two most widely accepted are "U-Factor" and "Solar Heat Gain". The "U-Factor" is a measure of the rate of heat loss through a window. The lower the "U-Factor", the lower the amount of heat loss. This is important in colder climates, where installing windows with lower "U-Factors" will reduce the percentage of heat that leaves your house.

"Solar Heat Gain" measures the rate of heat gain through a window. The lower the "Solar Heat Gain", the lower the amount of heat that will come in from the outside. This is important in warmer climates, where air-conditioning is commonly used on a regular basis.

"R-Value" is another term that is used in rating energy efficiency, which is the resistance that a window has to heat flow. If a window has a high "R-Value", it will lose less heat than a window with a lower "R-Value". Simply put, the "R-Value" is the inverse to the "U-Factor".

"Energy Star" label which was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency for products meeting certain energy performance criteria. Since the energy efficiency performance of windows can vary due to climate, three different climate zones are designated:

1. Mostly Heating Zone
2. Mixed Heating and Cooling Zone
3. Mostly Cooling Zone

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
is a non-profit, public/private organization created by the Window, Door and Skylight Industry. The NFRC has developed a Window Energy Ratings System based on product performance. NFRC labels on window units give ratings for "U-Factor", "Solar Heat Gain", "Visible Light Transmittance" and "Air Leakage".