Window technology has evolved dramatically in the past decade.
Where once upon a time, one bought a window for the clarity of the view it offered, today the criteria have become quantified into measurements like ‘visible transmittance’, ‘condensation resistance’ or ‘energy efficiency’.
Centra Windows is a BC-based company with 28 years of experience in the home building materials industry. The Langley based operation is one the country’s largest window manufacturers. All finished products are made in Canada.
When you visit any one of their numerous showrooms across BC, the company’s Certified Energy Evaluators provide a thorough explanation of the best options for upgrading your windows to improve their energy efficiency.
However, here are some explanations of the modern technology that goes into making Energy Star windows.
AL – the Air Leakage rating expresses the cubic feet of air which passes through a square foot of window area by way of leaks or cracks in the window assembly. The lower the AL number, the less air will pass through the window assembly.
CR – Condensation Resistance is expressed in a number from 0 to 100 to indicate the ability of the window to potentially resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface. The higher the CR number, the better the product will be at resisting interior condensation.
Energy Star – A rating which describes energy efficiency performance for appliances, windows, and even homes.
SHGC – the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient ranges from 0 to 1 and indicates how well a window blocks heat caused by sunlight. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat transmits through the window; the higher the SHGC, the more solar heat will transmit through the window.
U-factor – this is a measure of heat transfer through the whole window (including the frame and glass). Think about U-factor as the opposite of insulation R-values where the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. The lower the U-factor, the better the window is at preventing heat transfer through the window.
VT – Visible Transmittance also ranges from 0 to 1 and indicates the amount of total visible light that the window will transmit. The higher the VT, the more visible light will pass through the window.
Centra is currently offering a pay no HST sale for customers.
It also has a LiveSmart Efficiency Incentive Program which gives rebates when you replace older windows. For more information on Centra Windows, go to the website: www.centra.ca
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