In a cooling-dominant climate like Dallas, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) matters more than U-factor. SHGC measures how much solar heat passes through the glass. A window with 0.25 SHGC blocks 75% of solar heat. The difference between a standard window (0.40 SHGC) and a high-performance one (0.22 SHGC) on a south-facing wall can be $200-$400 per year in cooling costs on a single large window. Across a whole house, energy-efficient windows typically save $600-$1,200 annually on Dallas energy bills.
Look for ENERGY STAR Southern Climate Zone certification. These windows are specifically tested and rated for hot climates. Most Dallas window installers stock products that meet this standard, but verify the specific SHGC and U-factor on the estimate, not just "energy efficient."