What are R-values and U-values?
An R-value is the measure of resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance. U-value is the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the U-value, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality. The R-value can be obtained by dividing 1 by the U-value.
What causes condensation on windows?
Condensation is caused by excess humidity in the home and appears on the coldest area of a wall. That is why condensation usually appears on windows.. The warmer the air, the more moisture it will retain, therefore when the air comes in contact with the colder glass, the air is cooled and moisture is released on the glass.
What can I do to reduce humidity in my home?
Use exhaust fans in your kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom. Vent gas burners and clothes dryers to the outside. Use a dehumidifier to remove excess humidity from the air in your home. Air out your home by opening your windows for at least a few minutes every day.
What is the NFRC and should my windows be certified?
NFRC is the National Fenestration Rating Council, a non-profit organization supported by the Department of Energy that helps consumers compare the energy performance of windows and doors. Window manufacturers that participate in the NRFC program are required to label every window with its thermal specifications. The consumer is then assured that those products meet the thermal requirements for energy efficiency set by the NFRC. Being a member of the NRFC is not required for window manufacturers due to the extensive third party inspection and product testing; however, Midwest Window and Door distributes products that participant in the NFRC program.
What is Energy Star® and what does it have to do with windows and doors?
Energy Star® is a government program, administered by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, that is designed to reduce the amount of fossil fuels used in heating and cooling through the energy efficiency of windows and doors. Windows and doors will only have the Energy Star® labels if they are tested by a third party laboratory through the NFRC program and meet predetermined U-value ratings. Our distributed windows and doors meet Energy Star® performance guidelines.
How does Soft Coat Low E and Argon Gas work?
Low E glass provides year-round energy savings. A thin, transparent metallic coating is applied to the glass and filters solar radiation. During the summer, Low E reduces heat gain and keeps your home cooler. In the winter, Low E keeps your home warmer by reflecting heat back into the home.
Do Argon gas windows really make a difference in the efficiency of my windows?
Argon offers a higher level of insulation. The Argon is located in the middle of the insulated glass unit. For air to insulate, it needs to be as still as possible because moving air carries energy. Argon is heavier than air, so it is less likely to experience convection or thermal movement.
