This time we’ll continue our look at energy star windows. Energy star windows have become a major marker of the progression towards energy efficiency in the home. Although the energy star label is less about manufacturing standards of efficiency and more about the energy savings for the consumer, it does stand as a milestone in moving toward not only energy efficient windows, but also energy efficiency in general. Energy star certified products often exceed 20 to 30 percent of the energy efficiency standards that federal regulations require.

     The energy star certification for windows requires that the window meet specifications in two specific areas: U factor, which measures the rate of heat transfer, and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures the amount of solar energy that can pass into a home. The lower the U factor, the better the insulation. The lower the SHGC, the higher the widow’s ability to block the infiltration of solar heat.

     In areas dominated primarily by the need for air conditioning and heat control, lower SHGC rating are important. They’ll help keep the air inside the house less effected by the sun and its radiation heating. In other areas where keeping a house warm is the primary concern, lower U factor ratings are crucial to keep the house warm in cold months. These factors are all considered when giving the window an energy star rating. The location where the vinyl window or aluminum will be used is also considered when rating these windows. While one window might be a great, energy efficient choice for one region, in a region with different heating and cooling demands, the vinyl window or aluminum window could prove to be very ineffective.

     Croft windows are rated with energy star certification and are built with quality and reliability as the top concern. They are built to last, built for efficiency, and built in the tradition of quality that Croft has upheld for years.