Replacing the old windows in your home can be a great way to improve the aesthetic and energy-saving features of your property. A wide array of windows are available on the market today, made from many different materials by many different manufacturers.

While this selection helps to diversify the replacement window market, it can make it challenging for homeowners to compare windows side by side. Fortunately, all windows come with a National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) sticker that carries vital numbers you can use to help determine which replacement windows are right for your home.

1. U-Value

One of the numbers that you will find on a window's NFRC sticker is the U-value of the window itself. The U-value should play an important role in the selection of your replacement windows, because this feature relates to heat transfer.

The lower the number, the more capable the window will be at providing insulation against heat loss when installed in your home. Based on the climate in which you live, you can use the U-value on the NFRC stickers of several different window options to decide which product you should invest in.

2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

Another number that you will find listed on each replacement window's NFRC label is the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). Since windows are made from transparent materials, the heat generated by sunlight could become a problem within your home.

You don't want your windows to allow a lot of heat to stream into your home, as this could drive utility costs up during the warm summer months. The SHGC is a number that represents solar radiation versus heat gain that is blocked. As with the U-value, a window with a lower SHGC will be more energy efficient over time.

3. Visual Transmittance

Exposure to natural light is something that many homeowners find enjoyable. The windows in your home are designed to help allow natural light to stream into your residence, but each window available on the market will restrict the influx of light to a certain degree.

If you look at an NFRC label, you will see a number that measures visual transmittance. You want replacement windows with a high visual transmittance rating, as this means the windows will allow as much light as possible to penetrate through into your home. Having windows with a high visual transmittance can reduce your reliance on artificial lighting, effectively reducing your monthly utility costs. Contact a company, like Acme Glass & Tinting, for more help.