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Understanding Air Infiltration and Replacement Windows

Understanding Air Infiltration and Replacement Windows    When homeowners think of energy efficient windows, they typically think that means no air will pass in or out of the window and are shocked to find out preventing that from happening is impossible. All windows have some level of air infiltration to them—it is all about how much and understanding what that means for your home.   What is Air Infiltration?  Air infiltration is simply the passage of air in or out of a building. There are many spots within your home where this can occur, such as cracks in walls, ducts, plumbing penetration, and windows. Even the most energy efficient windows will have some level of air infiltration to them, which happens in the middle where the two sashes meet and lock together and where the sash meets the frame. Not all windows are created equally when it comes to their levels of air leakage. Keep in mind, the lower the air infiltration rate, the more airtight your home will be.  According to a report from Energy Star, air leakage accounts for between 25% and 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling in a typical home. When homes are built, contractors use a variety of materials to help insulate your home, like foams and wraps. These materials help protect your home against air leakage but aren’t fool proof—your home will always experience some level of air infiltration.  While air infiltration isn’t something you want to happen excessively, it is something that should happen in your home. According to the EPA, it is a good to introduce new, fresh air into your home to prevent stuffiness, humidity, and odors, especially during the months where windows can’t be fully open.  When you purchase replacement windows, you will usually notice a large sticker in the top corner. This shows the NFRC information and Energy Star information unique to your new windows.  If you check the sticker on your new UniShield windows, you will see they meet the industry standard. This means Energy Star and the NFRC recognize them as being energy efficient. You’ll also notice we use cam style locks to pull the sashes together and use synthetic fibers to make our weather stripping, preventing it from breaking down over time, to create an airtight seal between the sashes and the frame.  The biggest point to keep in mind is that an operable window will never be fully airtight, but there are different levels of airtightness a window can have. Having replacement windows from Universal Windows Direct in your home will it more comfortable in addition to keeping out moisture, reducing outside noise, improving your indoor air quality by keeping out pollutants, and reduce the escaping of conditioned air in your home. If you have any questions about your new windows and their air infiltration rating, please feel free to call us at (800) 984-5846 or send an email to customerservice@universalwindowsdirect.com.