Dramatic increases in energy efficiency.
One of the best reasons to replace your existing windows is to increase the energy efficiency of the windows, saving you money on energy costs. Windows have dramatically improved in thermal efficiency over the last two decades in part as a response to the energy crises of the 1970s and in part as just a natural increase in technology and efficiency that most industries experience. To address concerns about energy consumption, the fenestration industry developed a host of new energy efficient technologies: low-e coatings, low-conductance spacers, gas fills, etc. To address consumer concerns about the outlandish claims/false advertising and some unscrupulous practices in the industry, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) was founded in 1989 to provide independent verification of product performance.
National Fenestration Rating Council
NFRC is a non-profit organization that administers the only uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, and attachment products. The mission statement of the NFRC is: NFRC develops and administers comparative energy and related rating programs that serve the public and satisfy the needs of its private sector partners by providing fair, accurate and credible, user-friendly information on fenestration product performance. We encourage you to visit their website at www.NFRC.ORG to find out more details and to view the ratings of all the featured products of Murphy's Window and Sunrooms.
Energy Star
ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights save you energy and money, increase the comfort of your home, and protect your valuable possessions from sun damage. They are also better for the environment because lowering your energy use means less air pollution from power plants.
The Schuco Difference.
Most homeowners realize a significant savings in their monthly energy bill, so much so that the windows may even "pay for themselves" through energy bill savings. We encourage you to calculate your estimated energy bill savings by replacing your windows. You can also receive a tax credit for purchasing replacement windows. Find out more by clicking through and reading some of the articles below, and by visiting our Schuco thermal efficiency page to read about the superior benefits of Schuco windows. ENERGY STAR qualification is based on NFRC overall product ratings, and Schuco windows significantly exceeds Energy Star requirements. Industry leader Schuco-USA has the lowest U-Factor and higest R-Value in a comparison of all window brands.
Related articles
Quality spacers between the glass and the frame make up a large part of energy-savings, while inefficient spacers can account for a huge loss. Read "Closing the Gaps in Window Efficiency," by Alex Wilson to find out more about spacers and the differences that they play in energy efficiency. Energy perfomance in windows can also be affected by foam-filled vinyl windows. Read "The Dubious Benefits of Foam-Filled Vinyl Windows," by J.D. Ned Nisson to find out more about foam filled vinyl windows.
