Achieving an energy-efficient home is not just a matter of reducing bills but also contributing to a more sustainable environment. Two key certifications that often come up in the search for energy efficiency, especially when considering window installation, are ENERGY STAR® and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Here’s a look at each one and how they impact how consumers choose energy-efficient windows and doors.
About the ENERGY STAR Certification
ENERGY STAR is a widely recognized program backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that signifies energy efficiency in various products, including residential windows, doors, and skylights. Choosing ENERGY STAR-certified windows means embracing a product that has surpassed stringent energy efficiency guidelines.
Replacing outdated windows with those that have earned the ENERGY STAR certification can slash household energy costs by up to a nationwide average of 13 percent. These savings are particularly relevant in areas where the climate demands well-insulating products to combat the summer heat and occasional cold snaps. Products with this label have been independently tested and verified, ensuring they deliver on the promise of energy savings.
The Role of the NFRC Label
If ENERGY STAR certified overall energy performance, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) comprehensively analyzes it. These labels detail specific performance factors, such as the U-Factor (the rate at which a window conducts non-solar heat flow) and the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which measures how well a window blocks heat from sunlight.
The NFRC label facilitates comparison among different products, allowing homeowners to make informed decisions, especially when it comes to window replacement. Taking these metrics into account help you in determining the best windows for your home’s situation.
Making the Choice for Your Home
When searching for the most efficient windows for your property, it’s prudent to consider both the ENERGY STAR certification and the NFRC’s detailed ratings. Together, these labels guide you towards products that will not only enhance the comfort of your living spaces through tools like improved glazing but also shield your valuables from UV damage and contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
Both the ENERGY STAR and the NFRC fulfill roles in ensuring consumers can make energy-wise decisions — the former for its energy efficiency endorsement, and the latter for its detailed, comparative energy performance ratings. When you invest in replacement windows from Renewal by Andersen® of Kansas City, you can be sure that these labels are present to help you make informed choices. To get started with your window replacement project, call us at (913) 956-0887, or complete our online form to schedule a consultation.
