Window Replacement Reviews and Ratings

Not surprisingly, wood clad and fiberglass window casings are the tallest. (These replacement windows also command the highest prices.) These window sash materials are best for protection from rain, wind, and the elements. Each window was subjected to a week of extreme temperatures to see how it expanded, contracted and flexed with changes in temperature and condition. Each window was then tested for water and air leaks. Windows that exhibited little to no change in performance from start to finish were ranked highest.

Vinyl is less expensive and convenient.

Vinyl replacement windows account for almost 50% of the market because they are reasonably priced and maintenance free. However, vinyl windows will let some air in, especially in colder climates. Additionally, vinyl is less attractive than wood siding and cannot be stained or painted to match or complement a home’s exterior color.

Replacement Window Classifications

When comparing the same type and style of window from different manufacturers or even different lines from the same manufacturer, you’ve probably noticed one thing: no two windows are exactly alike. Do not panic! There’s no need to resort to something as drastic as defenestration or jumping out of a window. To ensure that your replacement windows provide you with great home comfort and energy cost savings, the National Window Rating Council or NFRC and Energy Star provide a helpful rating system for evaluating window quality and efficiency. energetic.

It can be difficult to compare the claims made by different window manufacturers, mainly because they often use different window sizes and grading terms to sell their products. For example, some may use the R-value of the center of the glass and the shading coefficient, while others use the U-factor of the whole window and the solar heat gain coefficient. Fortunately, there is now a place to look that has standardized ratings for Windows: NFRC. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a nonprofit coalition of window manufacturers and experts that has established standards for window testing and labeling.

The National Window Replacement Council

The NFRC has developed a fairly comprehensive window energy/performance star rating in which it provides uniform and definitive benchmarks by which all window companies must now measure a window’s energy performance. You can easily compare windows from different manufacturers or different lines from the same producer because the information is presented conveniently and accurately in one easy-to-understand summary. However, you should be aware that windows are tested and rated when new, and therefore long-term resiliency is not considered. In addition, the City Council does not carry out studies on the windows already installed or on their history.

The NFRC Window Replacement Rating System

The key element of the National Window Replacement Council rating system is the U-factor of a window. The NFRC gives each window a U-factor rating. The first number after the words U-factor is the proper rating for residential purposes. It will be marked as AA or Residential. U-factor marked BB or non-residential is for commercial window applications. The U factor in the NFRC tag always refers to the entire window. To make sure you’re comparing apples to apples, ask for NFRC ratings even when there isn’t a sticker on your window replacement. Also, be sure to use windows of the same size for comparison, as the ratio of glass to frame affects the result.

The U value measures how much heat actually flows through a material. NFRC has U-value measurements of different replacement window systems. Simply put, the lower the U-value, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulation value. The U factor rating ranges from 0.10 to 1.20. The lower the U value, the lower your heating costs. You can also compare air leaks. This rating is the ratio of the number of cubic feet of air that passes through a window divided by the square feet of window area. The smaller the AL, the smaller the leakage.

Another factor to consider is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. SHGC is the actual measurement of solar radiation (infrared energy or solar heat) passing through the home’s replacement windows. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower the solar heat gain coefficient of a window, the less solar heat it transmits. Whether you want a high or low SHGC number depends on where you live. In the north, where heating your home is probably your main concern, a high number may work to your advantage. On the other hand, in the south, where the goal most of the time is to avoid heat, a lower SHGC would be desirable.

Next is the Visible Transmittance or VT. VT measures the amount of light entering through the window glass. This is also a rating between 0 and 1 and like CR, the higher the number, the more light gets through. The typical piece of clear annealed glass has a VT of 0.93, which means that 93% of the light that falls on the glass passes through. Add a second light, and VT drops an additional five percent. The higher the VT, the more light comes through the window. The lower the UV transmission, the less fading of your drapes and rugs.

One last factor is the resistance to condensation or CR. CR measures the ability of windows to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of the product. Here, higher numbers are better than lower numbers.

Many of the stickers will not include ratings for all of these categories, as they are not required. For the most part, the two most important numbers to look at are the U-value and the air infiltration. The U value indicates how well insulated the window is, and the air infiltration indicates how open the window is.

Energy Star Program

In 1992, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Energy Star program. The Energy Star Window Program and major window manufacturers have worked together to provide consumers with energy-efficient windows. This program has paved the way for valuable advances in window technology. Each ENERGY STAR qualified window is independently certified to operate at levels that meet or exceed strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Department of Energy.

Ensuring a high replacement window rating

Many people decide to replace their windows when they see a big sale at a local home supply store. Bargain prices are usually for low-end windows, which are even produced by some well-known manufacturers. It is better to avoid the so-called line of negotiation. In fact, it can be hard to find someone to install them because most professionals don’t want to be associated with second-rate products.

One final word of caution: For a window to perform at the levels indicated by the NFRC ratings, it must be installed correctly or you may be wasting your money. Therefore, choosing a reliable company to handle the installation is extremely important. Be careful and discriminating when hiring a contractor. Look for a window replacement contractor, who is not only licensed and insured, but also experienced in the specific types of work he needs to do. Get at least three estimates that include a detailed cost analysis and details about how the project will be carried out. Compare offers not only on price, but also on what exactly is included. Finally, check the references.

On the other hand, if you buy the window from the company that installs it, you can’t pass the buck if there are problems, since one company is responsible for everything. If you decide to go this route, be sure to check your window certifications and examine the replacement window warranty before committing.

When selecting replacement windows, use the NFCR rating and Energy Star designation to make meaningful comparisons and an informed choice. Beware of window salesmen who will not give you this information. Once you’ve purchased replacement windows, if you later need to hire installers, carefully compare bidders’ credentials because your new windows, regardless of their rating, will only be as good as their craftsmanship.