Windows provide beautiful views and a way to ventilate your home. Since they're also used as insulation and a means of bringing natural light inside, they can impact energy usage. Some options are more energy-efficient than others, so to decide what kind to install in your home, you must be familiar with the following ratings. 

What Are Some Window Efficiency Ratings?

1. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient 

Also called SHCG, the solar heat gain coefficient rating measures the amount of solar radiation that streams inside. Windows with low SHCG ratings let less radiation inside, which means they offer shade and keep your home cool. 

2. Visible Transmittance 

Since your ability to see during the day affects how much you turn on the lights, you must also consider visible transmittance (VT). It tells you how much sunlight is allowed through the glass by using a number between 0 and 1. The higher the VT, the more visible it is. 

3. Light-to-Solar Gain 

To understand light-to-solar gain, or LSG, you have to know about SHCG and VT. Not every hardware store provides an LSG rating, but the number combines the SHCG and VT ratings so that you'll know how well a window cools your home while keeping it bright enough to see. Higher LSG ratios indicate more light with less heat. 

4. U-Factor or U-Value 

The U-factor or U-value rating is denoted in BTU units. It tells you how much non-solar heat the glass can conduct into your home. Find a product with a low number if you want less solar heat and better energy efficiency in your home. 

5. Air Leakage 

This rating calculates how many cubic feet of air can move through or around the glass or frame per minute. The air leakage rating indicates whether the product will protect the home from drafts and water leaks. You'll get the best results from low air leakage ratings. 

To find windows that feature a variety of the best energy efficiency ratings, go to Marchant Building Center in Mountain Home, AR. Locally owned and operated since 1960, their reputable expertise in building materials will help you determine what products are best for your home. They'll also help with installation and offer maintenance tips. Schedule an appointment by calling (870) 425-3168 or messaging them online.

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