While you may not know it, your windows are the biggest problem in having an energy efficient home.  The best solution to this is finding good, high quality replacement windows.  This, of course, is not the only reason to go for good quality windows.  You also don’t want to go to all the work of replacing the window just to have them fall apart in five years.  Back in the early 1900’s such high quality materials were used that many of the windows in those houses are still in perfect condition over 100 years later.  It’s all about the quality, but you need to know how to find it.

It doesn’t really matter what materials you are looking into buying, you can find the quality that you are looking for.  There are two independent testing associations that you should check for certification from.  These are the most important aspects to finding the replacement windows that will guide you to the best windows money can buy.  No matter what the salesman will try and convince you of, use these facts and certifications as your authority.

The very best replacement windows are the ones certified by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).  The AAMA is considered the top standard since they test the quality of the material, how the materials are assembled, and the integrity of the finished product.  The testing is all and random and incredibly rigorous.  Once a manufacturer decides to have the AAMA certify their window they sign a contract that allows the AAMA unannounced, random access to their production line. This ensures that you will get only the best quality.

The NFRC mainly focuses their testing on energy efficiency.  This means they test for R-values of the glass and air infiltration, among others.  But be aware that the NFRC label can be a little bit misleading.  They will put their label on windows that merely meet the minimum standards, so some window will be much more energy efficient than others within the same company.  They do provide the numbers and values that tell you just how energy efficient that particular window is, and they provide a guide to interpret these number.  But ultimately it is your responsibility to figure out the greatest value.  Ideally you want to find windows with both certifications to know you are getting the best.  Be aware that both associations install a label on the side of the window.  So it won’t be seen once the window is installed.  To be entirely sure the certification exists, try to get a peek at the window before installation for this label.