The Window Source How to Buy Energy Efficient Windows New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine
Buying replacement windows for your home is a great investment and the best ones can help in reducing the energy costs and in enhancing the level of comfort within your home. They can also help make your home look more beautiful while adding more value to your property. Today’s market is full of various products to choose from and different manufacturers all claim to have the best product. An easy way to sort through the claims? Start with energy efficiency.
There are plenty of high quality replacement windows that are proven and certified energy efficient. How do you determine what the best choice for your home is? Here are some helpful tips to make the best decision:
Efficiency Ratings: U-factor and R-value
Although you can find more information coming from your contractor, the right way to know if a certain item is energy efficient has to do with ratings. Replacement windows must have a particular U-factor and it is the number which you have to determine and compare between the manufacturers. This is the measurement of the ability of the windows’ pane to preserve heat. In other words, the U-factor is the opposite of the R-value, which typically gauges the amount of insulating capability the energy efficient windows have.
The lower the U-factor rating is, the more capable your windows will be in keeping your home cool during the hot summer season while also maintaining warmth in your home throughout the cold winter months. The R-value is typically on replacement windows, but it is less typical for a U-factor to be listed. To get the U-factor from the R-value, just divide 1 by the R-value. For example, if your R-value is 4, (1/4) OR .25 is your U-factor.
Do Not Pass on Cost or Quality
When choosing the best windows for your home, don’t pass up quality because of cost. Although some windows may be slightly more expensive, if they’re good quality, then they will repay you in energy savings and property value. Before you purchase new windows for your house, learn about the ratings and do your research!
When choosing replacement windows, be sure to choose well rated energy efficient windows that cut your energy cost, are simple to maintain, and will add more value to your home. Follow these tips to help research the best available choices. Or call Window Source NH today for your free inspection and recommendations!
