Because of the extremes in our climate, homeowners here in Ohio find it vitally important to pay special attention to energy efficiency.
But not all replacement windows are equal.
Some are substantially more environmentally-friendly than others.
So how does a prudent homeowner go about making the best choice? People ready to buy only need to know three things: U-Factor! U-Factor! U-Factor! Of course, many things contribute to a window's U-Factor; things such as the number of glass panes, the quality and quantity of coating that is used on those panes, and the quality of gas filling that goes between the panes of glass.
However, this should not be the only consideration.
Things like the longevity of the frames, the quality of the locking system, the fine print of warranties, the reputation of the manufacturer and the installer, etc.
; these are all important pieces of the jigsaw puzzle.
Nevertheless, if you know the exact U-Factor of a window, it takes all the guesswork away.
You now know, with absolute certainty, the exactly how energy-efficient a window is.
Lots of windows may qualify for an energy tax credit.
Nevertheless, there is a huge difference among even those windows.
You don't need to know anything about a U-Value because a U-Value is the exact same thing as a U-Factor.
And you don't need to know anything about an R-Value because an R-Value is the inverse of a U-Factor.
All you need to know when determining the energy efficiency of any Energy Star window is the U-Factor.
You can check the U-Factor by visiting The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) website.
According to the US Department of Energy, windows may be responsible for as much as ten to twenty-five percent of energy costs.
In cooler weather, particularly here in Ohio, the problem with old style windows is the loss of heat energy.
Then in warmer weather, when Ohio residents turn up their air conditioners, the problem is solar heat entering the home.
The solution is not rocket science.
Simply find the windows with the best (i.
e.
lowest) U-Factor.
Next, replace those old drafty windows with the best energy efficient windows available.
The environment will thank you.
And so will your wallet.
But not all replacement windows are equal.
Some are substantially more environmentally-friendly than others.
So how does a prudent homeowner go about making the best choice? People ready to buy only need to know three things: U-Factor! U-Factor! U-Factor! Of course, many things contribute to a window's U-Factor; things such as the number of glass panes, the quality and quantity of coating that is used on those panes, and the quality of gas filling that goes between the panes of glass.
However, this should not be the only consideration.
Things like the longevity of the frames, the quality of the locking system, the fine print of warranties, the reputation of the manufacturer and the installer, etc.
; these are all important pieces of the jigsaw puzzle.
Nevertheless, if you know the exact U-Factor of a window, it takes all the guesswork away.
You now know, with absolute certainty, the exactly how energy-efficient a window is.
Lots of windows may qualify for an energy tax credit.
Nevertheless, there is a huge difference among even those windows.
You don't need to know anything about a U-Value because a U-Value is the exact same thing as a U-Factor.
And you don't need to know anything about an R-Value because an R-Value is the inverse of a U-Factor.
All you need to know when determining the energy efficiency of any Energy Star window is the U-Factor.
You can check the U-Factor by visiting The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) website.
According to the US Department of Energy, windows may be responsible for as much as ten to twenty-five percent of energy costs.
In cooler weather, particularly here in Ohio, the problem with old style windows is the loss of heat energy.
Then in warmer weather, when Ohio residents turn up their air conditioners, the problem is solar heat entering the home.
The solution is not rocket science.
Simply find the windows with the best (i.
e.
lowest) U-Factor.
Next, replace those old drafty windows with the best energy efficient windows available.
The environment will thank you.
And so will your wallet.