Do your homework before replacing windows in your home - WBTV ...

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -?Spring is the high season for home improvement projects. One of the largest and most expensive home improvement projects is replacing the windows in your home.?

"Window replacement is the fifth most searched type of business on the BBB website right now, behind roofing, home improvements, heating and air conditioning, and lawn maintenance," said BBB President Tom Bartholomy. "The most important first step is picking a reliable company."

BBB list of local window replacement companies

"If you are replacing windows, you will face a tradeoff between cost and energy efficiency," said Bartholomy. "Over time, energy efficient windows can make a big difference in energy consumption which will save you money."

Since many homeowners may not know what to look for when purchasing windows, the BBB has this advice:?

? NFRC Label - Look for windows that carry the Energy Performance Ratings label from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). By using the information on the label, homeowners can reliably compare windows to make informed decisions. See sample NFRC Label below.

? Insulation ? The U-Factor determines the degree of insulation in the window and it ranges from 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the U-value, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.

? Temperature - The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rates how much solar radiation is admitted through the window. SHGC is a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window's solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits in the house.

? Brightness - Visible Transmittance (VT) indicates the amount of visible light transmitted through the window. VT is a number between 0 and 1. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.

? Draft - Heat loss and gain occur by Air Leakage (AL) through cracks in the window assembly. The lower the AL, the less air will pass through cracks in the window assembly.

? Condensation - The higher the Condensation Resistance (CR) rating, the better that product is at resisting condensation formation. CR is a number between 1 and 100.

For more home improvement tips, please visit www.bbb.org.?

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