Energy-Efficient windows are an excellent choice for Arkansas home owners and one of the top reasons homeowners choose to replace windows. What is the best way to choose replacement windows for homes and offices?  Windows may appear passive, but in reality they are always performing. They affect the flow of heat in and out of your home, as well as the amount of natural light, and this influences how much electricity you need to use to keep your home comfortable.  Saving time & money is always a key factor when selecting replacement windows from Wilson’s Home Improvement.

The U-Factor Ratings Improves Energy Efficiency

U-Factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping a home or building. U-Factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the U-Factor, the better a product is at keeping heat in. U-Factor is particularly important during the winter heating season. This label displays U-Factor in U.S. units. Labels on products sold in markets outside the United States may display U-Factor in metric units.

Visible Transmittance (VT) measures how much light comes through a product. VT is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The higher the VT, the higher the potential for daylighting.

Air Leakage (AL) measures how much outside air comes into a home or building through a product. AL rates typically fall in a range between 0.1 and 0.3. The lower the AL, the better a product is at keeping air out. AL is an optional rating, and manufacturers can choose not to include it on their labels. This label displays AL in U.S. units.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much heat from the sun is blocked. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC, the more a product is blocking solar heat gain. Blocking solar heat gain is particularly important during the summer cooling season in this hot Arkansas climate. By contrast, people in Northern climates may want solar heat gain during the cold winter months to lessen the cost of heating the home.

Window Installation Makes a Difference in Performance

It is also important that you choose a reputable contractor to install the windows. The installation will be the defining factor on whether or not your windows perform the way they are intended to and if they will make a huge difference in how well your home is able to conserve energy. An amazing window will not do the job it is supposed to do if it is not installed properly.

** If you are thinking about replacement windows, Wilson’s Home Improvement is proud to offer MEZZO windows, one of the most energy efficient windows in the industry! MEZZO windows meet or exceed stringent ENERGY STAR® window requirements, providing triple-pane, energy-saving performance in a dual-pane unit. A mezzo replacement window is in a class by itself - premium performance with everyday affordability!  Call Wilson’s Home Improvement today to set up an appointment for a free estimate.