Once you begin your search for replacement windows, you will likely come across replacement window reviews from both consumer and manufacturer sources. The first thing to look at in these reviews is the window replacement ratings of the brands and types of replacement windows that you are considering, including energy-efficient windows.

Replacement Window Ratings Criteria

No window is the same as another. This can make it very difficult to choose the right energy-efficient windows. Luckily, various groups provide consumers with replacement window ratings, including vinyl window ratings. For example, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) conducts tests to determine how energy efficient windows actually are.

In order to compile replacement window ratings, organizations will use the following information:

• Air leakage measures how much air is allowed to pass through and exit a window.
• Condensation resistance measures how well a window is able to resist condensation from forming on the interior of the window.
• R-factor measures how well a window conducts heat, or the window’s resistance to heat loss.
• Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a window is able to block heat from entering a window.
• U-factor measures how well an energy-efficient window prevents heat from escaping, or the actual rate of heat transfer.
• Visible transmittance measures how much light comes in through a specific window.

As you analyze R-factor and U-factor, keep in mind that your geographic location and climate will determine which values to seek as you peruse replacement window reviews.

Look for an Energy Star Window

Energy Star is a voluntary partnership program between:

• Different window and door manufacturers
• United States Department of Energy
• United States Environmental Protection Agency.

A certified Energy Star window may help you save 10 to 15 percent on energy bills. As energy-efficient windows, vinyl windows with Energy Star certification may save up to 40 percent over regular windows.

Vinyl replacement windows are among the newer types of replacement windows. Good vinyl window ratings tend to have moderate to high R-factors, indicating that they are heat flow resistant. Remember that a material that is resistant to heat flow provides good insulation for keeping heat out in the summer. Allowing minimal outside heat in means lower cooling bills, translating to significant savings on energy bills.

When searching for energy-efficient windows, you should make use of replacement window reviews from various associations. These replacement window ratings will help you make the right choice.