Energy Efficiency Terms that Every Charlotte Homeowner Should Know

When it comes to shopping for energy efficient windows and doors, most Charlotte homeowners don’t know their “U-Factors” from their elbows. But there are important industry terms that homeowners need to understand in order to select the right products for their needs, according to the experts at JELD-WEN Windows & Doors and The Design Center.

Window and door efficiency is measured in a number of ways, so it’s important to base choices on industry certifications, not a manufacturer’s advertising claims. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) conducts tests for energy efficiency based on the entire product, not just the glass.

 Efficiency ratings are based on these important factors:

 U-Factor:  This is the amount of heat flowing through a product. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the product is.

• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC):  This indicates the ability to block heat generated by sunlight. The greater the blockage, the lower the SHGC.
• Visible Light Transmission:  This is the percentage of sunlight that penetrates a window or door. A higher number means more light enters through the glass.
• Low-E Glass:  Low-E, or low emissivity, refers to a transparent metallic coating applied to one surface of insulated glass. In the winter, Low-E reflects some of the interior heat back into the home. During warm weather, Low-E glass reduces the amount of the sun’s heat from entering the home, lowering cooling needs. Manufacturers have improved the energy-saving qualities of Low-E glass, with products such as LoĒ³-366, which offers greater protection from solar heat gain.

The easiest way to identify the most energy efficient products on the market is to look for the ENERGY STAR label on products qualified by the Environmental Protection Agency.

In order to be ENERGY STAR qualified, a company must be NFRC certified. NFRC certification is conducted by a third-party organization that uses industry accepted standards for evaluating and certifying energy performance. 

When it comes to windows and doors, the ENERGY STAR program also takes into account those products most suitable for particular regions and climates. Look for windows and doors with the label that shows they meet ENERGY STAR qualifications suitable for your region. 

Energy Efficient window are currently available through The Design Center, a completely new retail concept in the Ballantyne Area outside of Charlotte offering JELD-WEN windows, doors, garage doors as well as professional installation services all in one showroom.

The Design Center is located in the Ballantyne area at 9484 Old Bailes Road, Fort Mill, SC, 29707. The phone number is 800-276-0411.

Garage Doors Offer Style and Durability

For added curb appeal and the look of real wood with easy-care maintenance, JELD-WEN is offering a new composite window system for its garage doors that features a one-piece woodgrain frame and simulated divided lites (SDLs). The system optimizes the window size and viewing area, is available with single-pane or dual-glazed insulated tempered glass, and can be painted or stained to match the door’s base color.  Standard prefinish options include White or Portabello for a warm, down-home appeal.

JELD-WEN® Wood Composite garage doors provide the look of wood without the maintenance, the strength of steel without the potential for rusting or denting, and the durability of fiberglass without the cost.  JELD-WEN Wood Composite technology conserves natural resources, as skins and trim boards are made of recycled fiber. Click for more information on JELD-WEN garage doors.

These garage doors are currently available through The Design Center, a completely new retail concept in the Ballantyne Area outside of Charlotte offering JELD-WEN windows, doors, garage doors as well as professional installation services all in one showroom.  The Design Center is located at 9484 Old Bailes Road, Fort Mill, SC, 29707. The phone number is 800-276-0411.  For further information please visit our website at www.jeld-wen.com.