What is a “U-Factor” and Why Does it Matter?
Why “U-Factor” Matters
If you are a homeowner who is considering an upgrade to your windows, you may have seen the term “U-factor” or “U-value.” The National Fenestration Rating Council developed this term to measure the rate of “non-solar heat flow” for windows and doors.
There are three reasons why U-factor is an important detail for homeowners to know about their windows. Read on to learn what they are. Contact Peak Custom Remodeling for more information.
- A lower U-factor can lower your energy costs.
A window’s U-factor measures how much heat a window transfers, and therefore how well it insulates. A low U-factor means there is low heat flow through the windows.
Windows with low U-factors let in less heat during the summer, and let out less heat during the winter. This is particularly important in Maryland, which experiences the heat and chills of all four seasons.
By making sure your windows have the lowest U-factor possible, you can reduce your heating or cooling costs.
- The U-factor can affect a home’s energy efficiency.
During the winter, windows with poor insulation will allow a lot of heat to escape, meaning that the furnace will have to run longer to keep the home comfortable.
The opposite happens in summertime, when inefficient windows let more heat into a home. If you use an air conditioner, high U-factor windows mean it also has to run longer to cool the home.
This all increases the home’s energy usage and the consumption of valuable resources. By installing windows with lower U-factors, homeowners can help reduce their energy use and reduce their carbon footprint.
- The U-factor influences the cost of windows.
For budget-conscious homeowners, it is important to strike the right balance between the appropriate U-factor for their environment and the cost of windows.
While a lower U-factor can make a home more comfortable and less costly to heat, it also raises the price of the windows. High-performance homes, for example, can get the lowest U-factor from triple-glazed windows with three layers of glass. However, these are also the most expensive type of windows.
Get the best U-Factor for your home.
Looking to make your home more energy efficient with new windows? Contact Peak Custom Remodeling to get started!
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