LABEL GAZING
An easy way to see if a window meets your needs is to look for the NFRC label, which lists a product’s performance such as U-factor, solar heat gain, air leakage, condensation resistance, and visible transmission. The Energy Star label also lets buyers know that a window has met certain energy-performance requirements.
Unfortunately, high-performance glazing will likely cost more money than standard packages. Even low-E may add to the cost, Sinning says. “Low-E has become the standard energy-efficient glazing, but it may not be a standard offering from all manufacturers,” he explains. Plus, offering the high-performance glazing is only half the battle for window manufacturers; they still need to build a good window. “The trick for manufacturers,” Hedlund says, “is how to package the glazing with the window” to make them work as a system.
Smart aleck: The manufacturer offers a wide variety of glazing options on its 400 Series products. The recently introduced SmartSun control glass rejects unwanted solar heat while allowing the light to stream through. Other glazing options include Low-E4, Low-E4 Sun, and Low-E4 insulated impact-resistant glass. Andersen Windows and Doors. 800-426-4261. www.andersenwindows.com
Get Lo: In addition to its low-E insulated glass, the manufacturer offers LoE3 366 glass on custom wood windows. Made with three layers of silver placed between anti-reflective metal oxide coatings, the windows block 95 percent of UV rays and reduce window heat gain by 64 percent. Jeld-Wen. 800-877-9482. www.jeld-wen.com
Coat of arms: The manufacturer says its Integrity windows come standard with Low E II coated glass, which can reduce heating costs by 34 percent in cold climates and 38 percent in warm climates. The Energy Star–rated windows feature wood interiors and a virtually maintenance-free pultruded fiberglass exterior called Ultrex. Standard-sized products include casements and double-hungs, among others. Integrity by Marvin. 888-537-8263. www.integritywindows.com
Shields up: Zo-e-shield is custom-engineered to improve a home’s energy usage, the manufacturer claims. The line features such components as Real Warm Edge Spacer systems, EasyCare coating, multiple layers of low-E coating, and inert gas-filled airspaces. Three performance levels are available: Zo-e-shield 5, Zo-e-shield 6, and Zo-e-shield 7. Weather Shield Windows and Doors. 800-477-6808. www.weathershield.com
Triple protection: Designer Series triple-pane windows are the manufacturer’s most energy efficient. The triple-glazed windows offer energy efficiency and noise reduction. Between-the-glass blinds reduce heat gain by 43 percent and minimize airborne allergens. Pella Window & Door. 888-847-3552. www.pella.com