651-212-4221
Mar 23, 2015
|

Window Jargon Translation Guide

Imagine yourself walking into a store that only sells black sweaters but the price ranges anywhere from $10 to $200.  They seemingly look the same, but the clerk insists there are major differences between them.  How do you even begin comparing seemingly identical items?  Do you take the easy way out and just find the cheapest one or is further investigation warranted?  While it’s unlikely that you’ll run into this exact scenario, it’s not uncommon to be overwhelmed with the window to choose for your home since many look identical, but can have major differences in quality and price.  Deciphering the distinguishing characteristics between windows means understanding several technical terms.  Here’s the jargon you’re likely to hear when shopping for windows and what each means.

The U-Factor: The U-factor of tells how much heat a window passes from inside your home to the outside.  U-factor ratings typically fall between 0.15 and 1.20.  The lower the U-factor, the better the window is insulated and the lower your energy bills are.window

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient: This rating focuses on the amount of heat that is brought into your house from the outdoors through the outside.  The rating system ranges from 0 to 1.  Lower numbers are better because they show that your home will stay cooler in the summer months because the window is effective in blocking heat from the sun’s rays.

Air Leakage: This discloses the amount of outdoor air that infiltrates a home through the product.  The most common range is 0.1 and 0.3.  A lower number indicates that the product does a better job at blocking outside air.  This number is not something that manufacturers must disclose.kitchen

Condensation Resistance: As the name suggests, the purpose of this rating is to reveal the window’s ability to stop condensation from forming.  In this case, a higher number is better and the range can be anything from 1 to 100.  Manufacturers are not required to disclose this number.

Learn More About Home Window Replacement:

Window Replacement Reviews:

"Lindus replaced two large windows for me.  The workmen were knowledgeable and professional.  The triple pane has improved the leakage and moisture build up."

Bonita S.
Savage, MN
January 5, 2018

"Outstanding customer service and response time!  Thank you Adam Lindus, and to the window technician, for your exemplary customer service and concern. That is truly what will keep us customers of Lindus Construction!"

Amanda H.
Brooklyn Park, MN
January 5, 2018

"We were very pleased with the installation of 20 triple pane windows by  Lindus Construction.  Done in a timely manner.  All clean-up finished before they left.  The windows are beautiful and are much more energy efficient than our old windows."

Gary Z.
Mendota Heights, MN
January 5, 2018

"Doug met with us at our home and thoroughly examined and measured the windows in order to prepare a proposal.  Work was scheduled for three days, beginning January 31, based on our schedules. Jake, as lead worker, and his 3-man team arrived on time each day and were ready to start. They were polite, humorous, and professional while in our home."

Rebecca L.
Minneapolis, MN
February 17, 2018

"This company has integrity; for them satisfaction is not just a buzz word.  We recommend this company very highly. And by the way, the noise reduction glass really works and we couldn't be happier."  

Richard S.
River Falls
January 15, 2018

"Overall everything went smoothly.  The installers were very professional, cleaned up every day in their work areas and were great to deal with."

Reed J.
Minneapolis, MN
September 25, 2017
Contact Us To Schedule A Complimentary Estimate. Receive A No-Charge Heat Map Analysis With Insulation Estimates Through May 31st.
Some restrictions may apply. Call for details.