What Is Low-E?

Low-E, or low emissivity, is how a window reflects certain light length waves. A window with a good low-E lowers your energy bill because in the summer it reflects sunlight and in the winter it absorbs it to help heat your home.

For more information on ways new or replacement windows and doors can help you save money on utility bills stop by one of The Window Man's three Northern Virginia showrooms today.

Evaluating Energy Performance

Everyone is interested in conserving energy nowadays. Not only is energy conservation a cornerstone of environmentally-friendly building practices, but it also helps reduce your monthly utility bills—always welcome in today’s tough financial climate. But how do you evaluate a window’s energy performance? Look for products that have been tested and approved by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Another place to look for information on energy efficient windows is the U.S. EPA Energy Star Homes Program web site. NFRC and Energy Star give you a measure of a window’s Thermal Performance… But if you want to evaluate a window or door’s structural, air infiltration and other performance issues, check for its AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) and NWWDA (National Wood Window and Door Association) Ratings.

These rating systems define four mandatory performance requirements for a completely fabricated window:

• Structural integrity to withstand wind loads

• Resistance to Water Leakage

• Resistance to air infiltration

• Forced Entry resistance

For more information about which energy efficient door or window is right for your new construction or renovation in Northern Virginia, stop by one of The Window Man's three area locations. All of The Window Man consultants are happy to help you choose the perfect product for your project.

Choosing Energy Efficient Windows

Choosing an energy efficient window for your home or office is easy with The Window Man. Currently, all our windows are certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council. (NFRC created a national rating system for energy performance of fenestration products, including windows, doors, skylights, and similar products.) But we're also a partner in the Department of Energy's Energy Star Program; as such, many of our windows & doors carry the Energy Star label. Visit our Northern Virginia showroom to learn which windows or doors can best help you conserve fossil fuels and save money: there's no need to lose valuable heat in winter or cold air in summer due to inefficient windows or doors ever again!

More On Tax Credits For Installing Energy Efficient Windows, Doors & Skylights

The IRS form for requesting the home improvements tax credit that we mentioned in our previous post is IRS Form 5695 (2009) which will be available in late 2009 or early 2010.

It can be tricky figuring out which windows and doors qualify for the credit, so stop by The Window Man today to meet with one of our consultants. We'll guide you to the best energy efficient windows that qualify.

How Do I Choose An Energy Efficient Window

Here at The Window Man we get a lot of questions about choosing energy efficient windows. How can you tell which windows are a good bet?

Look for products that are tested and approved by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This includes testing the U-value of a window. Look for the sticker on the window. Another place to look for information on energy efficiency in windows is: U.S. EPA Energy Star Homes Program web site. NFRC and Energy Star give you a measure of a windows "Thermal Performance Only".

• 1-A. How Should I evaluate structural, air infiltration and other performance issues?

AMA and NWWDA Ratings

American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA)*
National Wood Window and Door Association (NWWDA)*

* Have set test specifications standards for windows and doors

How the Standard Works

The standard defines four mandatory performance requirements for a completely fabricated window:

• Structural integrity to withstand wind loads

• Resistance to Water Leakage

• Resistance to air infiltration

• Forced Entry resistance

Actual windows are tested by independent labs and graded by their "Design Pressure" performance.

The following table shows the minimum Performance Grade required for each class.

Window/Door Performance Grade Structural Test Pressure Water Resistance Pressure Residential (R) 15 22.5 psf 2.86 psf Light Commercial (LC) 25 37.5 psf 3.75 psf Commercial (C) 30 45 psf 4.5 psf Heavy Commercial (HC) 40 60 psf 6.00 psf Architectural (AW) 40 60 psf 8.00 psf

A window rated "R" 15 just passed for residential use only.
An "R" 30 or 45 rated window will perform much better.

What Do You Want From Your Windows?

Before you replace or restore your home's windows, its a good idea to think about what your priorities are. Different windows will have different benefits, so thinking carefully about which features are most important to you will help you and your Window Man consultant find the perfect choice for your home and family's needs.

Rank these features in order or importance to you before coming to one of our three showrooms to discuss your window options:

• Function
• Comfort
• Energy Savings
• Looks
  
• Low Maintenance