The colder months tend to highlight the need for energy efficiency; however, energy efficient windows and doors are an important consideration all year round.
In the Northeast, we experience our fair share of humid summer days as well as many frigid nights. And heating and cooling costs are becoming increasingly more expensive. Choosing the right product for your home is a fixed-cost investment that will pay dividends for years to come.
Whether you are building a new home or replacing existing windows and doors, we are here to provide custom solutions and expert consultation for your project.
In addition to cost savings, quality windows, doors, and skylights make your home more comfortable by maintaining a consistent temperature and reducing air loss.
Let’s talk a little about the science of energy efficient windows and doors. What it means, what to look for, and how to decide on the best products for your home.
Glass is not an effective insulator. Modern windows often have two panes of glass filled with air or argon gas to make up for this deficiency. Triple pane windows are also available if you would like an extra layer of insulating glass.
When shopping for windows you will want to consider several things, including the window glass and framing materials. A great tool for comparison is the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Label.
The label has four measurement factors relating to energy performance. The U-Factor, Visible Transmittance, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, and Air Leakage.
- The U-Factor measures how well heat is retained in the home. A high score means a product performs better in reducing heat loss.
- Visible Transmittance measures the amount of natural light entering the home. More natural light can reduce electricity usage.
- The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures heat resistance from solar radiation.
- Air Leakage measures the air that comes into the home. A low number equals less drafts.
The NFRC door label uses only The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and the U-Factor. What coefficient number you require depends on your needs. A low number is better in the summer months, as it will reduce solar heating. Conversely, you would want a higher number if you wanted to allow more solar heat in during the colder months.
Replacing windows can be as easy as looking for Energy Star certified windows. An Energy Star window applies several of the aforementioned factors and recommends a number based on your region or climate. It’s that simple.
We carry energy efficient windows and doors from the top manufacturers in the country. Whatever you decide on you’ll know that these products will meet or exceed your expectations.
With our expert design team and consultants at Northeast Architectural, you won’t have to worry about crunching all these numbers either. Our team knows what products will serve your energy saving needs. We will also work with you to achieve your desired aesthetic or design theme.
Come by one of our showrooms to test our convenient sample sizes and find exactly what you’re looking for. If you have any questions, you can give us a call at (732) 517-7321