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That small NFRC label can tell you a lot about how a window will perform in a real home. U-Factor shows how well it resists heat transfer, SHGC indicates how much solar heat comes through, and Air Leakage measures how much air can pass around the window.

A window can have an impressive U-Factor and still be the wrong choice for a Passive House project.

ENERGY STAR window ratings make it easier to compare residential windows using standardized NFRC performance data.

At first glance, tilt-and-turn windows, double-hung windows, casement windows, and sliding windows all do the same job-they let in natural light, fresh air, and views.

Triple-pane windows do more than lower energy bills-they help create a quieter, more comfortable home by reducing outdoor noise.

A new front door typically costs $500 to $2,500 or more installed, depending on material, with steel the least expensive option and wood the most expensive.

A lift and slide patio door typically costs $1,500 to $4,000 per linear foot installed, roughly double or more the cost of a standard sliding patio door, which commonly runs $1,200 to $4,000 total for a typical opening.

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), sometimes called synthetic stucco, typically cost $8 to $14 per square foot installed in the US, or roughly $16,000 to $28,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home, according to contractor-reported market data.