According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, homeowners in the Midwest pay approximately $0.16 per KWH, translating into an average monthly electricity payment of $136. That’s more than $1,600 every year! What’s worse, this number has steadily risen about one cent per KHW a year since 2021. Pair this with concerns about climate change, and it’s no wonder that homeowners are scrambling to find effective ways to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Energy-efficient windows are a smart way to save energy, and they instantly improve your property's curb appeal and value. However, window manufacturers have caught on to this trend, and not all “energy-efficient windows” are the same. How can you know which provides the level of energy savings that you need?
In this guide, you can find out about energy ratings, including what they are, how to read them, and how to match ratings to your specific climate. From there, you’ll learn about some common energy rating myths to avoid.
What Are Energy-Efficient Window Ratings?
Where do energy ratings come from? The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) tests and certifies windows based on the window’s energy efficiency performance. These ratings are used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR® program for new windows. Every NFRC-certified window has a label, and this label includes the window manufacturer, size, model number, and energy ratings.
How to Read Energy-Efficient Window Labels
To read and understand the labels, you’ll first want to familiarize yourself with the key energy-efficient window ratings. Here are some of the key energy ratings that you might find and what they mean:
• U-factor: This measures how much heat is lost through the window. U-factor ratings range between 0.10 and 2.00, and the lower the number, the more energy-efficient the window is. This rating is mandatory and is located at the top left of all NFRC labels.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This indicates how well the window blocks heat and solar radiation from the sun. SHGC ratings fall between 0.00 and 1.00, with the lower number meaning less solar heat is transferred.
• Visible Transmittance (VT): VT measures how much visible light is transmitted through the window. The rating is expressed as a number between 0.00 and 1.00. The higher the number, the more light is transmitted. Depending on the orientation of the windows, this can mean more natural lighting and less need for electrical lighting. This number is found on the middle or bottom row of the NFRC label.
• Air Leakage (AL): The AL rating indicates how much air passes through a square foot of the window’s area. The lower the AL, the less heat can escape from your home in the winter and enter your home during the summer. This is an optional rating located on the middle or bottom right of an NFRC label. The rating range is less than or greater than 0.3.
Climate Zones and Energy Ratings
When selecting the best energy-efficient replacement windows for your home, you’ll want to make sure you choose ratings that suit your climate. ENERGY STAR® makes this easier by dividing the United States into four climate zones: Northern, North-Central, South-Central, and Southern. Each zone considers the area’s rain levels, humidity, temperature, and more.
When shopping for ENERGY-STAR-rated windows, shop by your Climate Zone to get the best ratings for your region. If you’re unsure which region you’re located in, you can find detailed information on the ENERGY-STAR® website:
• Windows rated for the Northern Zone keep the interior of the home warm by retaining heated air and allowing sunlight to pass through. If you live in this zone, look for windows with the lowest U-factor possible.
• Windows rated for the North-Central Zone are designed for a climate that is warmer than the Northern Zone but not as hot and humid as the Southern Zone. You’ll want a comprehensively energy-efficient window that keeps your residence warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
• Windows rated for the South-Central Zone covers the deep South, where there are humid, hot summers and cold winters. There is a stronger focus on keeping heat outside of the home, but you will also want to seal out drafts during cold months.
• Windows rated for the Southern Zone have a special focus on a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rating to help protect interiors from UV-ray exposure and heat. They might also have a higher Visible Transmittance rating.
Common Myths About Energy Ratings
As with most things, you’ll want to do a little fact-checking when researching energy ratings for new windows. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions so you can make an informed decisionnew windows when considering energy-efficient windows for your home.
Myth 1: Energy-Efficient Windows are Too Expensive
Energy-efficient windows indeed cost more than standard windows—at least initially. Generally, you will pay up to twice as much for an energy-efficient window. However, these windows also pay for themselves over time, and you can start saving right away. On average, energy bills are reduced by 12% after having energy-efficient windows installed, which can save hundreds of dollars each year.
Myth 2: All Double-Pane Windows are Energy Efficient
While double-hung windows are typically more energy efficient than single-hung ones, not all are ENERGY STAR® rated. Some double-hung windows are manufactured poorly, so they do not seal tightly. Energy-efficient double-hung windows also come with an insulating gas fill between the panes, while lower-quality options do not.
Myth 3: Energy-Efficient Windows are Standard on New Homes
With today’s emphasis on energy savings, it’s easy to assume that new homes will come with energy-efficient windows. However, that’s not always the case. Find out if the house you purchase includes windows manufactured to perform well in your local climate zone.
Myth 4: All Highly Rated Windows Work Well in Any Climate
It’s common for homeowners to look for ENERGY STAR-rated windows and then simply stop there. Just because a window has a quality rating doesn’t mean they are suitable for the climate in which you reside. Check the Climate Zone portion of the NFRC rating to get the best windows for your region.
Learn More About Energy-Efficient Windows in the Midwest
Do you have questions about energy-efficient window ratings? Are you interested in getting energy-efficient replacement windows for your Midwest home? Find out more by contacting Midwest Construction today. You can give us a call to chat with a friendly member of our team or submit our online form. We will gladly answer your questions and provide you with a free quote.
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