Released Nov. 1, 2007

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Winter is coming. How can you choose a brand or model of replacement window that will give good performance at a reasonable price?

The general recommendation is to buy the lowest U-value window available for what your budget allows. U-values are a measure of how much heat is lost through the window and frame.

Window frames are manufactured from different materials (wood, plastic, metal). They can have one, two or three glass layers. They may feature special, light-reflecting films. They may have air or a special gas filling between glass panes. The possible combinations number into the hundreds.

Fortunately for consumers, the National Fenestration Rating Council now publishes its Certified Products Directory and makes it available online at http://www.nfrc.org/. The directory lists the manufacturer, describes the product, provides a source for additional information, and includes ratings for one or more energy performance characteristics. Plus, it allows for comparisons of models.

New windows always carry a temporary label with detailed rating information. This label´s purpose is to provide consumers, builders and code officials with energy performance information in a comparable, easy-to-read format. The temporary label is accompanied by a permanent label or marking somewhere on the product, usually in an area that is unseen when the window is closed.

You´ll need to contact retailers or other suppliers for pricing information.

More information about saving energy is available on Kansas State University´s Energy Extension Service Web site: http://www.engext.ksu.edu/ees/.

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http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/news/

Contact: Mary Lou Peter-Blecha, mlpeter@ksu.edu