Pella windows and energy efficiency are two phrases that go hand-in-hand. One certainly does not want to shop for inefficient windows for their home; whether it be new construction or replacement windows. The good news is that it is now easier than ever to tell what kind of windows offer excellent efficiency and which kind do not. The Energy Star seal is a great place to start. Products tagged with this seal meet government standards set down to promote energy efficient products.
But how do Pella windows and energy efficiency come together? They come together in virtually every product Pella has to offer its customers. The following text will help acquaint you with some common energy efficiency facts and rating. That way you will be empowered to know exactly how Pella windows and energy efficiency are benefiting you.
Understanding the basic window energy efficiency values will give you a valuable tool in determining whether a window is truly right for you and your home. The climate of your area and nature of the weather may warrant different needs and values for energy efficiency.
The U-Factor of a door, window, or skylight is a measure of how much non-solar energy the object allows to flow through it. One important thing to note is the NFRC U-Factor will often include the entire unit. A manufacturer's might be rated differently. The general rule of thumb is the lower this rating is, the more energy efficient the product is.
A low SHGC rating on a window means that it offers a greater shading value and better efficiency for the interior of the home. It allows less solar heat to penetrate the window which allows for a stable internal climate.
This rating is to let you know how much air the window passes with even pressure on it. It is often rated in cubic feet per minute per square foot of frame area. The lower the rating of this value, the more efficient the product is.
This is not an energy efficiency rating, but it will be mentioned here so that you are not wondering when looking at a window. This rating helps one to determine how much light is being transferred through the window. It has nothing to do with energy efficiency and will only reflect on the amount of daylight permitted through the window.
This rating is a ratio between VT and the window's SHGC. It basically is a measure of how much light is admitted through the window compared to the amount of heat transmitted from solar energy. A higher rating means it allows more light in with less heat gain. It should be noted that this is not a mandatory rating so will not be on every product you may look at.
Pella windows and energy efficiency related products will generally feature and Energy Star tag. Energy Star is a voluntary program that was co-founded by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency to make it easier for home owners to find efficiency products for their home. Products with this tag have been subjected to scrutiny by the regulations set down by the EPA and DoE and passed.
Products in this category have the following qualities.
Purchasing Energy Star rated windows for your home can often see as much as a 15% savings on heating and cooling costs through the cycle of the year. The basic measure of the product means that even if you pay a bit more for it; you'll usually have made that back within 3-4 years of installation. That makes Energy Star a smart choice for a label to look for with Pella windows and energy efficiency.
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