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Replacement Window Ratings - What They Mean
Windows are rated in a range of categories that determine their energy efficiency. If you are choosing windows for your house, greater emphasis should be placed on different ratings based on the climate the home is located in. For instance, if you are buying for replacement windows in Phoenix, Arizona, a sunny and warm location, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is quite likely the most critical rating to consider. Other circumstances, such as the orientation of a window to the sun and any shade that may be present ought to be considered.
The US Government's Energy Star program is meant to make it easier for people to identify energy efficient products and practices that will save them money and safeguard the environment. The Energy Star program rates over 60 products, including windows. Energy Star certification makes it simple for consumers to be certain they are getting energy efficient replacement windows.
All Energy Star replacement windows are scored in five areas but Energy Star qualification is based only on the U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. The U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient are also the categories used to determine if a window qualifies for the IRS Energy Tax Credit.
U-Factor
Calculates the speed of heat transfer and illustrates how well a window insulates. The lower the U-Factor rating, the more efficiently a window insulates. The window U-Factor incorporates the thermal properties of the frame and the glazing.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Measures the solar energy transferred by the window and tells us how effectively a window blocks heat caused by sunlight. The smaller the SHGC, the less solar heat a window transmits.
Visable Transmittance (VT)
Measures the amount of light a window lets through. The higher the Visable Transmittance, the brighter a room will be.
Air Leakage (AL)
Calculates the pace at which air passes through joints in a window. Air Leakage is measured in cubic feet of air passing through 1 square foot of window area per minute. The lower the Air Leakage value, the less air leakage.
Condensation Resistance
Calculates how effectively a window prevents water build-up. The higher the Condensation Resistance factor, the less condensation build-up a window allows.
Other Replacement Window Ratings
There are a few other ratings that are not included on the NFRC Energy Star label but they are useful and appear on some windows.
Light to Solar Gain
The ratio of VT (see above) to Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (see above) determines the amount of light that is transmitted without adding heat. A higher number signifies that more light is transmitted without adding heat.
R-Value
R-Value was developed as a way to measure the insulation value of something. It determines conductivity and denotes the resistance to heat flow. A high R-Value means a better insulated window. The majority of windows today are measured using U-Factor (see above).
Many Different Solutions To Conserve Your Home Heat Energy
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Obtain The Help Of A Professional Heating And Air Conditioning Technicians
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Working With Heating And Air Conditioning Contractors On An Annual Basis Can Help You To Make The Best Use Of Your Air Conditioning Systems
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Ceramic Tile Patterns - Easy Patterns When You Are Planning To Work With Tile
I am so happy to say that you have come to the right article if you are looking for ceramic tile patterns. Some people make things all too complicated. Did you know that there are easy patterns when you are working with tiles that can still be beautiful and interesting?
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