Figuring Out Vinyl Replacement Window Ratings
Looking up vinyl replacement window ratings can be confusing what do R ratings mean? What's a U rating? What's a Star Energy rating? All these different vinyl replacement window ratings can make choosing the right windows difficult.
First you need to figure out what all these terms mean. When you understand what these basic terms are then you will have better information and will be able to choose your vinyl replacement windows with a better understanding of what is best for you.
The Energy Star Program
You may have noticed that some vinyl replacement window ratings come advertised as being approved by the Energy Star Program. The Energy Start Program was originally meant to identify and promote electronic devices that were energy efficient.
This program now includes windows and vinyl replacement window ratings that have the Energy Star Program approval are energy efficient. What does this mean for you, the consumer? It means that your energy bill goes down as these windows are energy efficient and provide better insulation.
The National Fenestration Rating Council
The National Fenestration Rating Council has rated a window with this label. This council works towards providing consumers with a comparison of vinyl replacement windows so that you have the best information possible.
The factors considered by the council are air leakage, solar heat gain coefficient, U-factor and visible transmittance. They also provide other useful information that will help you decide what windows to buy.
U and R Values
U and R-values are also popular vinyl replacement window ratings used to measure insulation. U-values measure heat conductance while R-values measure heat flow resistance. Basically a U-value will tell you what the tendency of a particular window is to transfer heat, whether in or out of a room. An R-value describes a window's resistance to transferring heat in and out of a room.
Most window manufacturers use the R-value system on their products. When looking at U and R-values check that these values match the standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). If it doesn't look for another window. The value should represent the whole window, not just the center and should be the same for the size and style of window you are buying.
Other things will influence the R-value of your windows; the first is the tightness of the installation of your window. The number of layers of glass and the spaces in between the glass also plays a part. As does the type of glazing material.
