The energy performance of all ENERGY STAR qualified windows must be independently tested, certified, and verified according to test procedures established by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). NFRC is a third-party non-profit organization that sponsors certified rating and labeling to help consumers compare the performance of windows, doors, and skylights. Once rated by this third party, ENERGY STAR helps consumers to find NFRC-certified products with superior energy performance.

NFRC Rates Performance in Five Categories

The NFRC label can be found on all ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors, and skylights and rates performance in five categories: U-Factor, solar heat gain coefficient, air leakage, visible transmittance, and condensation resistance. ENERGY STAR qualification is based on U-factor and SHGC ratings only:

U-factor

Sometimes also referred to as U-value, U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer and tells you how well the window insulates. U-factor values generally range from 0.20 to 1.20 and are measured in Btu/h. ft² °F. The lower the U-factor, the better the window insulates.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient  (SHGC)

The SHGC is the amount of solar radiation admitted through a window. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower the number, the better the window is at blocking unwanted heat from the sun. In warm climates, you’ll want the lowest number you can find; in cold areas, a higher number is better.

Energy Efficient Andersen Window Glass Options

At All-Weather Window, Doors and Siding, we choose to offer Andersen replacement windows to our Kansas City customers. The Andersen window brand has demonstrated integrity and innovation for over 100 years and is the most recognized and most used brand in the window industry. Andersen replacement windows are simply the best replacement windows in Kansas City that we have found.

Andersen offers one of the industry’s widest arrays of glass options, enabling you to find the right choice for your home.

Low-E4® SmartSun™ Glass Offers our best overall thermal performance. It gives you the benefits of Low-E4® glass, plus it helps shield your home from the sun’s heat and filters out 95% of harmful UV rays while letting sunlight shine through.

Low-E4® Glass Offers outstanding thermal performance for climates where both heating and cooling costs are a concern. Up to 56% more energy efficient than ordinary dual-pane glass.

Low-E4® Sun Glass Offers outstanding thermal performance in southern climates where less solar heat gain is desired. It’s tinted for maximum protection from the effects of intense sunlight while providing all the benefits of Low-E4® glass.

Dual Pane Glass Dual-pane glass is available for projects where codes allow its use. See local code official for requirements in your area.

If you’re ready to add Andersen energy efficient windows to your Kansas City home, give All-Weather Window, Doors and Siding a call at (913) 262-4380 and we’ll help you choose the right Andersen windows for your home.

If you’re in the market for replacement windows in Kansas City, you no doubt have a lot of questions. One of those is probably, “Which kind of window frame is best – wood, aluminum, vinyl, composite, or fiberglass?” At All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding, we’re used to getting these kinds of questions. There is no simple answer because it changes for each homeowner. We dove a little deeper into the differences between our Andersen replacement window frames and summarized it below. Hopefully, this will help you make the right decision for your home and your budget.

6 Types of Window Frames Compare

1. Solid Wood: It’s been at the core of Andersen products for over 100 years. Wood provides strength and rigidity in both frames and sashes. Wood is mostly chosen for its beauty because it can be stained to match existing interior woodwork. Many homeowners prefer the natural look of wood and its overall thermal performance is hard to beat.

Pros & Cons – Great insulator against heat and cold, but it’s costly, requires maintenance, and is subject to swelling and contracting.

2. Aluminum: Aluminum provides a virtually maintenance-free exterior that resists the elements.It is strong, affordable, and low-maintenance, but conducts heat and cold, so it isn’t the most energy-efficient frame. It is also not the most aesthetically pleasing material for frames.

Pros & Cons – Strong, affordable, low-maintenance, but not as energy efficient or attractive as others.

3. Vinyl: Vinyl on its own provides an excellent low-maintenance exterior for any window and is available in a wide variety of colors. Where Andersen has innovated with vinyl is by using it as a protective cladding for its wood core windows. See below.

Pros & Cons – Affordable and low-maintenance, but color may fade over time.

4. Clad: The most expensive type, with wood frames inside and aluminum or vinyl shell on the outside; wood frame helps minimize the transfer of heat and cold, while the exterior shell makes the window low-maintenance.

Pros & Cons – Expensive, but very low maintenance and energy efficient.

5. Fiberglass – Fiberglass is a tough, weather-resistant material. They are maintenance free and can be combined with beautiful wood interior frames.

Pros & Cons – durable, maintenance free, lightweight, energy efficient.

6. Composites: Composites are new materials created to combine the best attributes of several materials. Composite windows are stronger and more durable than wood and vinyl, and can be painted to match a home’s decor.The price falls between wood and vinyl. Andersen’s Fibrex® composite window frames are two times as strong as vinyl, perform better when exposed to extreme temperatures and deliver exteriors that won’t fade, flake, blister or peel.

Pros & Cons – moderate price, extremely strong and durable, low maintenance, energy efficient, can be painted

We know it’s a lot of information, so start by prioritizing the benefits that you value the most. This will help you narrow down the field and make a final decision easier. If you have any questions or want to talk to an expert about replacement windows, give us a call at (913) 648-9589 or contact us online.