Replacement windows are one of the best investments that you can make to your home, both in terms of adding value to your home as well as reducing your energy use. As an exterior home improvement company serving the Twin Cities area, we install a variety of energy-efficient products, including replacement windows.

When the time comes to replace the old windows in your home, of course you want to think about which windows are going to be the best for you. The right windows can work to keep the energy costs lower and the interior of your home more comfortable than ever. You can actually save money by spending money on the best windows for your home that perform well.

That means doing some homework to find out which windows are the best for saving money and getting better energy efficiency. And fortunately there is a mechanism to do that - and it should be right on the window itself.

Check Energy Efficiency Ratings on Window Labels

Windows come with energy efficiency ratings on them. It is important that you choose the windows that provide you with a strong type of protection. These colorful stickers have a rainbow look to them and tell you everything you need to know about how the window is able to perform.

There are two types of energy efficiency labels. The first is the one with all the numbers. It's the rating system sponsored by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The second is the Energy Star Label. This designation indicates that particular window model has met all of the requirements of the federal EPA for energy efficiency, and it is something that complements the National Fenestration Rating Council.

The NFRC label uses letters and numbers to show how energy efficient the windows are. They take the design, frame, window glass and number of panes in mind when choosing the rating for this. A+ windows are more energy efficient than those with a C rating.

U-Value of a Window

This shows the rate of heat transfer that the window has. 0.20 to 1.20 is the range that the windows come with. The lower the number is, the better the insulation is going to be.

There are also other factors that go into choosing an energy efficient window such as the solar heat gain, 0-1, the lower the number, the better the window. Air leakage comes with ratings, as well with .03 being the recommended standard.

There are so many other factors that go into windows that you want to speak with our replacement window professionals for help on which might be better suited for the home and needs that you have. Working with someone that can provide your home with the best windows is ideal. Let us be that company.