How To Find Energy Efficient Windows In Denver
Your Guide To Understanding Energy Efficient Window Ratings
Just like cars have Miles Per Gallon ratings, windows have ratings that tell you how energy efficient they are.
And just like every new car on the lot has an MPG sticker, windows come with an NFRC label that will tell you pretty much everything you need to know. (FYI: This label is the only one accepted by the US Department of Energy’s Energy Star program).
One of the most important ratings on this label is the U-Factor of a window. Since U-Factor measures the rate of heat loss out a window, it is crucial to have the right U-Factor to save energy all winter.
The #1 thing to know about U-Factor is this: the lower the better.
Here’s what else you should know: for Denver, Colorado winters, optimally you’ll want a 0.30 rating or less. For particularly good energy-efficiency, look for 0.25 or less.
More Energy Efficient Window Ratings To Know:
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This measures the solar radiation a window allows in. The rating will be a number between 0 and 1 – and lower = better. You’ll save money on summer cooling bills with a lower SHGC. Generally, 0.32 or less is a good guide for Denver area homeowners.
Air Leakage: Indicated by the amount of air that passes through a square foot of window. Lower numbers are desirable. 0.1 is considered outstanding (and is also the lowest published rating on any label); 0.2 is good; 0.3 is average; 0.4 or higher is unacceptable.
Zen Windows – The Energy Star Awards!
Zen Windows’ Manufacturer Partner, Soft-Lite Windows, won both the National 2014, 2015, and 2016 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the EPA. We use the manufacturer Soft-Lite exclusively for all our windows. You are guaranteed to get energy-efficient windows when you choose us!