Window Sticker Meanings

All windows aren’t created equal, but you probably could already tell that based on the price differences from one window to the next! Luckily, choosing the right windows for your home doesn’t have to be a total shot in the dark—each window has a sticker on it that gives you all of the information you need to make an informed buying decision.

The only problem is that most consumers don’t actually know what these seemingly random numbers mean. This post will teach you everything you need to know about these window stickers so that you can purchase the best windows the next time you need window installation in Dallas, TX.

Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)

The SHGC, typically located on the upper righthand corner, is a number between 0 and 1 that tells you how good a window is at blocking the sun’s heat from entering your home. Obviously, a window can’t totally prevent solar heat from coming in, but the lower the number, the better the window is going to be at keeping that heat out. Blocking heat will keep your home more comfortable every day and lower your energy bills each month.

U-factor rating

Your window’s U-factor rating is found to the left of the SHGC and tells you how good the window is at keeping heat in. This number generally falls between .20 and 1.20. The lower the number, the better the window is at keeping heat inside your home. This is important in winter months, when you constantly have the heat turned on. After all, you don’t want all of that warm air (and money) flowing out through the window!

Visible transmittance (VT)

You’ll find the window’s visible transmittance (VT) right below the U-factor. This number is between 0 and 1 and tells you how much natural light comes in through the window. The higher the number, the more light is allowed in. Though having a bright and sunny house is nice, it’ll raise the temperature inside and make your AC work harder to cool your home on hot summer days. The good news is that you can add a tint to your window to lower the VT rating. Talk to us about tint options during window installation in Dallas, TX!

Condensation resistance

Window condensation is pretty much inevitable. The condensation resistance number, found to the right of the VT, tells you how good the window is at preventing that water buildup. This rating is between 1 and 100. Look for a higher number if you’d like your window to resist condensation.

Energy Star map

At the bottom of the sticker, there’s usually a map of the United States that shows where the window is Energy Star qualified. The best windows are Energy Star qualified in all 50 states, so be sure to be on the lookout for those!

Now that you know what the window sticker means, it’s time to decide which company should install your new windows for you. We may be biased, but we think you should always choose AmeriTint Window Specialists, Inc. for window installation in Dallas, TX. Give us a call today to learn about all of our services!

Categorised in: Window Installation