Some Windows Are So Crummy, You May As Well Use Cardboard
How to evaluate ratings so you can finally love your windows
Most windows and doors manufactured in the US come with a sticker that rates their performance. An explanation of the sticker can be found on dozens of sites, but none of them told me what I needed to know. Thank you for reading and I would appreciate it if you spread the word by sharing the newsletter with others.
I mostly disregard energy labels as I don’t think they take into account the complete picture and the numbers come from test conditions that are far removed from the real world. However, window and door ratings are critical as they impact your comfort, the quality of light, and your energy bills (up to 25% of heat loss is through doors and windows)1. Many people are unhappy with their windows but by taking the time to understand the numbers, you’re much more likely to be happier with any new ones that you purchase.
When we first replaced the broken and dilapidated windows in the house, the architect had specified Marvin wood windows, which are widely considered the gold standard for a landmark building. I chose double-pane windows, as I knew they would lose less heat than single-pane. Additionally, the window dealer recommended a unit with a Low-E coating and argon gas for better energy efficiency. At the time, no one mentioned U-values, and argon sounded straight out of the Jetsons. I assumed I had made a wise choice and would be warm.