ENERGY STAR qualified windows to meet strict performance standards established under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program.
ENERGY STAR qualified windows feature: double or even triple panes of glass with inert gases such as argon between them that vastly improve the ability to insulate against unwanted heat flow into or out of the house, depending on the time of year. Window frame materials designed to improve the window’s insulating abilities. Spacers that keep a window’s glass panes the correct distance apart to decrease heat flow and help stop condensation. Special coatings to create low emissivity (“low-E”) glass. Such low-E glass reflects heat energy either into or out of the house, further improving insulation. It also reflects ultraviolet (UV) light away from home and can guard your household furnishings against UV-induced fading by 75%.
Window Installation Essentials
Even the most energy-efficient windows can result in a drafty house and moisture condensation if they are not correctly installed. Make sure to follow manufacturer instructions, seek out trained installers, and watch for lead dust. Most homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, which can pose a severe health hazard during a home renovation. Learn about the new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Renovate Right” campaign – and make sure your window installer is EPA certified.
Guide to Energy-Efficient Windows
Replacing your home’s windows with ENERGY STAR® qualified windows will improve indoor comfort and filter out damaging ultraviolet light, while potentially saving you hundreds of dollars a year heating and cooling costs.
Replacing Old Windows
Traditional window materials used in houses across the United States – single glass pane and later double-pane clear glass – does a poor job keeping out the cold and excessive heat. If you have these windows in your home, you will likely spend hundreds of dollars a year more in home heating and cooling costs than you would with the latest ENERGY STAR qualified windows. Replacing old windows represents a significant investment, but the payback in terms of improved thermal comfort, reduced energy usage, and money saved over a long time makes replacement a smart choice. Updating to ENERGY STAR qualified models can save you 7%-15% on annual household energy bills, or roughly $71-$501 annually, depending on your geographic area and the type of window being replaced. Before replacing your windows, be sure you have already adequately insulated, and air sealed your home.
Even the most energy-efficient windows can result in a drafty house and moisture condensation if they are not properly installed. Make sure to follow manufacturer instructions, seek out trained installers, and watch for lead dust. Most homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, which can pose a serious health hazard during home renova tion. Learn about the new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Renovate Right” campaign – and make sure your window installer is EPA certified