The ENERGY STAR® program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy has made it easier for consumers to choose energy-efficient products. Now, you don’t need to be an expert on replacement windows or roofing systems to find a product that can help your home save on its energy consumption. All you have to do is look for the recognizable blue label, and you can be assured that your choice will be 20% to 30% more efficient than other products.
The requirements to get an ENERGY STAR certification varies from one product to another. For windows, the biggest factors considered are the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and the U-factor.
U-Factor Values
The U-factor pertains to how much heat a material allows to pass through it. The lower the U-factor is, the better it is at keeping heat transfer. Many homeowners believe that the U-factor is measured only on the glazing, but the framing materials like the sashes and jambs also contribute to the window’s total U-factor value. In fact, any material can have a U-factor rating, including the materials used in your siding and residential roofing.
SHGC
SHGC is presented as a decimal between 0.0 and 1.0. It’s a measure of how much of the sun’s light can come into a home and heat up the indoors. The lower this number is, the better your window can resist solar heat gain.
Regional Requirements
ENERGY STAR makes recommendations on energy efficiency based on your region. For northern states like New York where colder weather dominates the year, you want products with higher SHGC, typically 0.32 and above. Meanwhile, the U-factor ratings must remain relatively lower at a range of 0.28 to 0.30.
For all your roof repair, installation and maintenance needs as well as energy-efficient replacement windows and gutters, trust only our professionals at BSR. Give us a call at (607) 229-1280, or fill out our online contact form to request a free quote today. We serve residents in Ithaca, NY.