If you need new windows for your home, and you are looking to purchase energy-efficient windows, you need to know what window terms signify and tell you about the energy efficiency of each window. Here are three terms that you need to know.
#1 Condensation Resistance
If you currently have windows that get covered in condensation all the time, it is because of the difference between temperatures. However, with the right windows installed, you should almost never see condensation develop on your windows. The condensation resistance is a number rating system that is supposed to show you how well the window is able to resist the development of condensation.
Condensation resistance is measured as a number between one and hundred by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), with the higher the number representing a window that is better able to resist the formation of condensation on it.
#2 Air Leakage
One of the biggest areas where heat is lost and gained in one's home is around the window frames and doors. The best way to cut down on air leakage in your home is by installing windows that have a low air leakage, or AL, rating to start with.
The AL rating is a measurement of the amount of cubic feet of air that is able to make it past each square footage of your window. With this number, the lower the number the less air that will be lost and gained around your windows. Installing windows that have a low ability for air drafts in the first place will help increase the overall energy efficiency of your entire home.
#3 R-Value
Finally, there is the R-value of each window. The R-value is designed to let you know how well the window will help hold the heat inside of your home. Generally, a lot of heat in a home is lost through the windows. It can be lost through air leakage, and it can be lost by heat being transferred through the window to the outside as well.
If you want your windows to help hold in the heat in your home and keep your home well insulated, you want to look for a high R-value rating. With the R-value, the larger the number, the better.
In order to find a window that is as energy efficient as possible, you need to make sure that it has high condensation resistance, a low air leakage number, and a low r-value as well. Talk with Gilkey Windows for more information about improving your windows.
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