Performance Grade vs. Class: Which One Matters More for Pittsburgh Homes?

Confused by terms like PG50 or "Residential Class" on your window quote? You’re not alone.

For most Pittsburgh homeowners, these labels raise more questions than answers. And in a city known for freezing winters, steep hillsides, and sudden summer storms, picking the wrong window performance rating can lead to drafts, leaks, and wasted money.

At Energy Swing Windows, we've helped thousands of homeowners across western Pennsylvania choose windows that match the needs of their homes, their weather exposure, and their budgets. We understand these ratings can feel technical, but once you know what they mean, you’ll feel confident in your decision.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• What “Performance Class” and “Performance Grade” actually mean,

• How they impact energy efficiency, durability, and cost,

• And how to choose the right combination for your specific location in Pittsburgh.

Table of Contents

• What “Performance Class” Really Means

• How “Performance Grade” Impacts Durability

• The Key Difference Between Class and Grade

• Why Performance Ratings Matter for Homeowners

• How to Choose the Right Rating for Pittsburgh Homes

• When a Higher Rating Isn’t Worth the Cost

• Typical Window Ratings Around Pittsburgh

• How Performance Ties Into Energy Efficiency

• Questions to Ask Before Buying

• Next Steps: Finding the Best Fit for Your Home

What Is Performance Class and Which One Is Right for Your Home?

Performance Class is just a fancy way of saying what type of building the window is made for. Different homes and buildings face different demands, so windows are grouped into classes based on how tough they need to be.

Here's a quick breakdown:

• Residential (R): Perfect for most single-family homes in Pittsburgh.

• Light Commercial (LC): Works well for condos, townhomes, or small offices.

• Commercial (CW): Built for larger apartment buildings or mid-sized commercial spaces.

• Architectural (AW): Made for high-rise buildings or places exposed to serious stress.

What does this mean for you? Unless you live in an unusually large or exposed home, a Residential (R) window is probably all you need. It’s durable, energy-efficient, and built for exactly the kind of weather we get around western Pennsylvania.

Photo credit: vistaza.com

What Is Performance Grade and How Much Protection Does Your Home Need?

Performance Grade (PG) is all about how well your windows hold up in real weather; rain, wind, snow, and pressure. It’s measured in pounds per square foot (psf), and higher numbers mean stronger windows.

For example:
A PG 30 window can handle 30 psf of pressure. A PG 50 window? Even stronger.

Windows are tested for:

• Air leaks

• Water leaks

• Wind pressure resistance

If you live in a part of Pittsburgh that’s exposed to strong wind or storms, you’ll want a window with a higher PG rating. It’s not just about keeping the weather out, it’s about keeping your home safe and energy-efficient.

A notable storm that tore through the Pittsburgh region was in April of 2025, where Mayor Gainey declared Disaster Emergency and storms produced winds between 70 and 90 miles per hour. This downed trees across the region and left over 400,000 Western PA homeowners without power.

What PG rating is best for Pittsburgh homes?

Use this guide to match your home’s exposure and elevation to the right Performance Grade for lasting protection.

PG Rating	Strength Level	Weather Resistance	Recommended Use (Pittsburgh Context)
PG15–25	Basic	Mild weather conditions; minimal protection	Rarely recommended for Pittsburgh; only suitable for sheltered, well-protected urban homes
PG30–35	Good	Handles typical wind and rain storms	Common choice for most Pittsburgh homes in sheltered neighborhoods or suburban areas
PG40–50	Strong	Higher wind loads, heavy rain, moderate storms	Ideal for Pittsburgh homes on hillsides or areas exposed to stronger winds and frequent storms
PG50+	Very Strong	Extreme conditions; heavy storms and high winds	Recommended for homes in exposed locations, rural areas, or near open landscapes where severe storms or high winds regularly occur

Performance Class vs Grade: What’s the Difference and Which Matters More?

People often mix these two up. Here’s the deal:

• Class = What kind of building it’s built for

• Grade = How strong it is against weather

Think of it like this:

• Class tells you if the window is meant for a house, office, or apartment building.

• Grade tells you how well it will hold up when the wind and rain start pounding.

Both matter but if you’re a homeowner, you’ll want to make sure your Class fits your type of home and your Grade fits your location and weather exposure.

Performance Class	Performance Grade
Building type (residential or commercial)	Strength and weather resistance rating
Categories like R, LC, CW, AW	Number ratings (e.g., PG30, PG50)
Helps choose the right use case	Helps choose based on weather and safety

Why Choosing the Right Performance Grade Actually Matters

This isn’t just a label. The right PG rating can make a big difference for your home. Here’s why it matters:

• Safety: A stronger window protects you better during big storms or heavy winds.

• Comfort: Better weather resistance = fewer drafts and more stable indoor temps.

• Savings: Properly rated windows can help reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Bottom line: It’s peace of mind and better performance all year long.

How to Choose the Right PG Rating for Your Pittsburgh Home

Not sure which PG rating is best? Here’s what to think about:

• Weather: Pittsburgh winters are harsh and the summers can bring sudden storms.

• Location: Homes on hills or in rural areas often need a higher PG rating than those in sheltered suburbs.

• Orientation: If your house faces strong wind regularly, level up your PG.

• Code Requirements: Local building codes may set a minimum PG.

Should You Pay More for a Higher PG Rating? (Not Always)

More strength usually means more cost, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the right move.

If your home sits in a quiet, protected neighborhood, a PG50+ window might be overkill. You’ll pay more without getting much extra benefit.

The key is to match your window strength to your actual risk... not just the top option on the shelf.

What PG Ratings Are Most Common in Pittsburgh Neighborhoods?

Here’s what we typically see in the Pittsburgh area:

• PG30–35: Common in lower-elevation, urban, or suburban homes with natural wind protection

• PG40–50: More common on hillsides or neighborhoods with more wind exposure

• PG50+: Needed only in rural or very exposed areas

Most homeowners fall somewhere in that PG30 to PG50 range.

How Do Performance Ratings Impact Window Cost?

In general, stronger = pricier.

• Lower PG + Residential Class (R): More affordable, often plenty strong for most city homes

• Higher PG (50+) or LC/CW/AW Classes: Higher cost, but necessary in some locations

Your budget should reflect the real demands of your location—not fear or guesswork.

Does PG Rating Affect Energy Efficiency or Is That a Myth?

PG ratings don’t directly measure energy efficiency; but stronger, better-built windows tend to perform better overall.

If energy savings are your goal, look for:

• ENERGY STAR certification

• Double or triple-pane glass

• Low-E coatings

• Argon or krypton gas fill

The right mix gives you both durability and insulation.

Use the scrollable table below to compare performance vs. efficiency features.

Performance Grade measures strength and weather resistance, not insulation. For energy savings, prioritize glass type and ENERGY STAR certification.

What to Ask Your Window Installer About PG and Class Ratings

Here are 3 smart questions to bring up:

1. What PG rating do you recommend for my specific home and location?

2. Why did you choose that Performance Class?

3. Can you show me the testing or certification for these ratings?

Any reputable installer should be able to walk you through those answers with ease.

What to Do Next to Pick the Right Window Rating for Your Home

By now, you’ve probably realized: window ratings aren’t just industry jargon. They help you choose the right strength, avoid wasting money, and make your home more comfortable and efficient.

At Energy Swing Windows, we help Pittsburgh homeowners find the perfect fit—based on your home, your weather, and your budget.

Ready to take the next step?
Use our instant Window Pricing Estimator to plan your project with clarity or talk to one of our experts to get personalized advice for your home.

You deserve windows that are made for Pittsburgh. Let’s help you find them.

FAQs About Window Performance Class and Performance Grade:

1. What’s the difference between window performance class and performance grade?
   Performance Class defines the building type a window is intended for, while Performance Grade measures how much wind, air, and water pressure the window can withstand.

2. What PG rating is best for Pittsburgh homes?
   Most homes in Pittsburgh do well with PG30–PG50, depending on elevation and wind exposure.

3. Are higher PG windows more energy efficient?
   Not always. PG measures strength, not efficiency—but many higher-grade windows also include energy-efficient features like multiple panes or better seals.

4. How do I know if my window meets AAMA or ENERGY STAR standards?
   Look for certification labels on the window frame or ask your installer to show documentation from AAMA and ENERGY STAR.