Reading the NFRC label on windows

What is the NFRC sticker?
The NFRC label or sticker is placed on new windows by the manufacturer. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a government ratings agency that evaluates products for their impact on the environment and their ability to increase energy efficiency.

What do the ratings mean?
There are several ratings numbers on the sticker that determine the level of efficiency that the window is designed for. This will help determine your level of energy efficiency savings and helps determine if a window is right for your climate.

What is meant by "right for my climate"?
The United States has several climate zones as I am sure you are aware. Certain plants survive or thrive in specific climates. Some plants need a lot of sun where others are less tolerant. Some (like Napa Valley wine grapes) like the cool foggy mornings and evenings with a hot dry sunny day. For the discussion of windows though, we are talking about the number of heating days versus the number of cooling days in the year.

The Southern States have more days of sunshine and hot weather while our Northern States have a longer winter and a mild summer. In the South, we'll be running the air conditioner more often than the heater. Minnesotan's will be running the heater much more. I have many friends in Seattle that do not even have air conditioning in their home...unheard of in Houston.

So what do the numbers mean?
The two most important numbers to look at are the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and the U-Factor (UF).

SHGC: A windows ability to keep the heat from the sun out is called the solar heat gain coefficient. Something with full exposure to the sun is the base number of 1. The SHGC number relates to the percentage of solar gain the window can block out. Windows that block out 70% of the solar heat gain have a coefficient number of .30. In the Southern Region, a low solar heat gain coefficient of .30 or lower will help your air conditioner work more efficiently by blocking 70% or more of the solar heat gain from outdoors. Northern clients will appreciate a higher SHGC since it will help them on clear sunny winter days since they will allow the sun to warm the house.

U-Factor: The UF of a window is the number relating to how efficiently the windows insulate your home and keep your heated air in. Again, 1 is the base number and the lower the number, the better an insulator the window is. A UF of around .30 is a good target with lower numbers being better for our Northern neighbors.

This is a lot to remember! Do I have to know this stuff?
When you are dealing with a qualified remodeling contractor, such as All-Tex Exteriors make sure your representative understands your concerns and how important reducing your energy bill is. They can help you arrive at the correct window for your specific needs.

Energy Audit for your Home - Replacement Windows Houston

Before you tackle replacement windows and other energy saving improvements, find out your baseline!
Having an energy audit done before and after big changes like replacement windows or replacement Hardie siding, is a good idea. If you can prove the level of improvement gained by getting a baseline measurement first and then another audit after the new windows, you can calculate your return on investment and your pay back period. Watch the video on Danny Lipford's site for details.

The Return on investment for Replacement Windows is generally around 89% to 92% according to Remodeling Today magazine. You'll only realize that if you sell though. New windows put you at a competitive advantage over other homes that are for sale and will fetch you a premium over the competition.

In addition to ROI, consider the energy savings. If you plan to live in your home over 10 years, your windows will pay for themselves through energy savings. Estimates of 25% to 40% savings per month can really add up. For an Energy bill of $200 per month, that is $25 to $80 savings per month. The payback rate will be about one window per year.

Add to these ROI and Energy savings the fact that the Federal Government has the Energy Credit still going on throughout 2010. Buy the right windows and you'll be 30% or up to a total of $1500 back from the Feds. That pays for almost 3 windows right there.

Let us help you determine the best course of action for you. We perform a complete evaluation of your current windows and recommend the correct look, style and fit for your home. Custom cut double pane windows that meet the Federal requirements for the rebate.

Don't wait! January is filling up quickly!

All-Tex Exteriors

Houston Snow!

How about all that Houston area SNOW!
Brrrrr - That cold front was really nice and refreshing but, I'll bet it sure gave your home's heater a work out. And if you have old windows (single pane, builder grade), a lot of that heat just escaped into the atmosphere. Let's call a spade a spade. Leaky windows are "Money Leaks"!

New Replacement Windows are built better in many ways:

• Better Frames - Vinyl or Thermally Broken Aluminum
• Double Pane Glass
• Huge Air Gap of 3/4 inch or 7/8 inch!
• Argon Gas between the panes
• Low E Glass coatings - prevents heat exchange "pass thru"

All of these features work together to help you keep the heat inside your house where you can enjoy it.

The National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) gives windows a rating for thermal retention. It is what is known as the U Factor rating. Energy Star windows have a pretty flexible rating for U Factor and it is scaled like this:

• Northern Climate: .35 or less
• North Central Climate: .40 or less
• South Central Climate: .40 or less
• Southern Climate "Texas": .75 - .60 or less

But, is "Energy Star" certified enough? Not really...

Here in Texas, you would be hard pressed to find windows with the U Factor in the recommended range of .60 to .75 because most windows available are better that that. In fact, in order to get a Federal Energy Credit anywhere in the US, the windows must meet .30 or lower! That is lower (better) rating than what they recommend in North Dakota and Minnesota!

I can tell you this for sure; Energy is not getting any cheaper. So I am happy that the Federal Rebate program requirements are so stringent. I am also happy to say that All-Tex Exteriors has plenty of options available so that you can not only meet the requirements for the rebate but, to ensure the comfort and safety of your family as well!

How about having us out for a consultation...we don't charge for that! We hope to see you soon!

Time to Replace Your Windows

In these trying economic times, addressing some problem areas of your home that are actually costing you money makes good economic sense.

Your original windows from your builder, especially if they are single pane windows of any type, are the source of up to 1/3 of your energy costs!

Consider these important facts from The Efficient Window Collaborative. All-Tex Exteriors is a member of this prestigious group and supports Energy Star products and recycling.