Why “U-Factor” Matters
If you are a homeowner considering upgrading 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.
U-factor is a critical window feature for homeowners for three reasons. 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 it transfers and 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 conserve heat during the winter. This feature is significant in states like ours, Maryland, which experiences the heat and chills of all four seasons.
You can reduce your heating or cooling costs by ensuring your windows have the lowest U-factor possible.
- The U-factor can affect a home’s energy efficiency.
During the winter, windows with poor insulation will allow much 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 house.
These effects increase 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 carbon footprint.
- The U-factor influences the cost of windows.
Budget-conscious homeowners must 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 your local contractor, Peak Custom Remodeling, to get started!
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