Understanding Energy Star Ratings: What Brookfield Homeowners Need To Know
What Brookfield Homeowners Need To Know
About Energy Star Ratings When You
Need Window Replacements
Make Your Home Comfortable All
Year Round With The
Right Windows
Anyone who’s spent a winter in Wisconsin knows that the weather here is no joke. So, when you need window replacements in Brookfield, it’s crucial you find the right windows that properly insulate your home and keep your energy bills low.
But with so many window types out there, how do you know which ones to choose? What do all those fancy numbers and ratings mean when it comes to finding the right windows for your home?
If you find Energy Star ratings confusing, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in and around Waukesha County feel overwhelmed by the ratings when selecting window replacements. But you’re in luck! At TightSeal Exteriors, we’ve put together a helpful list so you can be confident when selecting your new windows.
Do Energy-Efficient Window Replacements Really Matter?
Despite the abundance of information about energy efficiency and window replacements, some homeowners are skeptical about the difference energy-efficient windows make.
Energy-efficient windows absolutely make a difference. They’re made with durable frames, seals, and have additional features such as argon or krypton gas in between the glass panes to better insulate your home.
Some of the many benefits of energy-efficient windows are:
- No more drafts
- Better security
- Lower energy bills
- Less distracting outside noiseA comfortable indoor temperature year-round
So, when someone asks us if energy-efficient windows really matter, our answer will always be, “Absolutely!”
Understanding The Most Common Energy Star Ratings
For Your Brookfield Windows
There are many different ratings for each feature of your new windows, but don’t worry – it’s not as confusing as it looks. Below you’ll see the https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-performance-ratings-windows-doors-and-skylights”>most important ratings you’ll see on your new windows and what they mean.
- U-Factor: Your windows’ U-factor refers to heat transference from sources other than the sun. How well do your windows keep heat from escaping your warm living room, especially when it’s snowing outside? Your U-factor will give you an idea.
- The U-factor doesn’t just refer to the glass but measures the overall performance of the window, including its spacers, frames, gas fills, etc.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): The SHGC is similar to the U-factor, except that it measures solar heat. Do your windows allow heat from the sun to penetrate the glass? If so, how much? Your SHGC rating will tell you.
- Visible Transmittance (VT): How much sunlight do your windows let in? This is an important factor, as many homeowners prefer more natural light in their homes, especially in common areas like living rooms and kitchens. Your VT rating will tell you how much natural light your windows allow through them.
- Air Leakage: This rating is quite self-explanatory. It refers to how much air leaks from your window. No one wants drafty windows, so you’ll want your air leakage rating to be as low as possible!
If you’ve read through these energy ratings and still have questions, don’t fret. When you have a trained, experienced window expert on your side (like our talented professionals here at TightSeal Exteriors), you can have peace of mind when choosing your new windows.
Plus, installing Energy Star windows could potentially qualify you for tax benefits or write-offs!
Make Sure To Choose A Certified
Window Installer In Brookfield
Your new windows are only as good as their installation. If you choose a subpar company without much experience or with poor customer reviews, the resulting shoddy workmanship could forfeit all the benefits you’d gain with energy-efficient windows.
Exceptional, specialized windows such as Energy Star windows require a top-of-the-line window company to install them. TightSeal Exteriors is all that and more! Since the 1990s, we’ve provided top-quality window installations for homeowners throughout Waukesha County.
If you’re ready for energy-efficient window replacements in Brookfield, give TightSeal Exteriors a call at (414) 895-4807 or visit our website for your free estimate!