Thanks to increased insulation values and high-performance features, energy efficient windows can offer a wide range of benefits to New Jersey homeowners.

• Cooling and Heating Season Savings                                              Low-E coatings, gas-fills, and insulation spacers and frames can significantly reduce winter heat loss and summer heat gain.
• Improved Daylight and View                                                             New Glazings with low solar gain, Low-E coatings can reduce solar heat gain significantly with a minimal loss of visible light (compared to older tints and films).
• Improved Comfort                                                                           In summer and winter, home comfort is increased; window temperatures are more moderate and there are fewer cold drafts.  Discomfort from strong summer sunlight is reduced.
• Reduced Condensation                                                                  Frame and glazing materials that resist heat conduction do not become cold and this results in less condensation.
• Reduced Fading                                                                                        Coatings on glass or plastic films within the window assembly can significantly reduce the ultraviolet (UV) and other solar radiation which causes fading of fabrics and furnishings.

Look for the ENERGY STAR rating for the northern climate, as well as efficient window properties on the Nation Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label.

Windows that qualify in Florida will not necessarily be energy efficient in New Jersey (though they may appear in the same stores).  To get windows that deliver the best performance and energy efficiency for New Jersey’s climate, look for the Energy Star Label (above) and also learn what the numbers mean on the NFRC label.  Together, they will give you the best information for the most energy efficient windows for your home.  The NFRC label appears on all fenestration products, which are part of the ENERGY STAR program.

Properties recommended for the Northern Climate:

U-Factor:

The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor (U-value) of a window assembly.  The lower the U-factor, the better its insulating value.  The recommended U-factor for New Jersey is .35 or less.

Visible Transmittance (VT)

The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.  Select windows with a higher VT (typically 0.2 to 0.8) to maximize daylight and view, but all numbers are acceptable for New Jersey.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through the window.  To reduce heating, select the highest SHGC you can find so that winter solar gains can offset a portion of the heating energy need.

Air Leakage (AL)

Heat loss and gain occur y infiltration through cracks in the window assembly.  Select windows with an AL of .30 or less.

To get your home tested and improved by FREEDOM SOLAR ENERGY an accredited Building Performance Institute (BPI) Contractor, or more information call 908-642-8394.