Buying energy-efficient windows involves a lot of research. In many cases, the prettiest units don’t necessarily perform the best. Today, Renewal by Andersen® of St. Louis shares ways to select the products that can help reduce your energy costs over the long term:
Look for the ENERGY STAR® Seal
As with exterior doors, code-compliant windows bear the ENERGY STAR® symbol. It’s the stamp of approval given by the federal government to products designed to deliver maximum performance while economizing on energy. The Environmental Protection Agency also makes sure that the units have the necessary features to meet the performance that consumers demand.
The EPA revises its specifications from time to time. New federal minimum efficiency requirements and technological advances are the usual catalysts for changes in standards.
Read the NFRC Label
Any experienced windows company would agree that the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label determines which ENERGY STAR-labeled products are suitable for each region. For examples, units that meet the standards in Alaska are not always good for Texas.
The NFRC label can feature up to five energy ratings, but focus on U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The former refers to the unit’s insulating quality while the latter pertains to its ability to deflect solar heat. In the St. Louis County, the ideal combination is a 0.30 U-factor (or less) and a 0.40 SHGC (or less).
Think About Durability
Pay attention to the framing material of the unit to gauge its sturdiness over the long term. The most durable replacement windows have frames that don’t rot, crack or bow. Our exclusive Fibrex® material can retain its structural integrity for more than 35 years, staying draft-free for decades.
Put a Premium on Installation
To prevent air leakage, make sure your new windows are installed to perfection. Hire a company that doesn’t use subcontractors. We train our own crew to master the installation of our custom-manufactured products. As a result, our Certified Master Installers eliminate workmanship errors and ensure our windows work as expected for a long period.
Learn more about our windows, and understand why they’re exceptionally energy-efficient. Call us at (314) 310-3636 now to schedule your consultation, and get a FREE estimate in Chesterfield or any nearby Missouri neighborhood.
