What is the ENERGY STAR Rating and Why is it Important?

Almost all replacement windows come with an ENERGY STAR Rating. This will alert you to the certified energy efficiency of the window. So, how does a window earn ab ENERGY STAR rating?

Well, ENERGY STAR-qualified windows, doors, and skylights must meet all three criteria:

1. Are made by an ENERGY STAR partner
2. Are independently-tested, verified and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
3. Have NFRC ratings that are in accordance with strict energy efficiency guidelines put in place by the EPA.

Performance Criteria

Windows, doors and skylights are designed to protect homes from the elements, but you need to put great thought into choosing these products – essentially, the ones that make the most sense in accordance with your climate. Some windows, for example, are better at keeping you warm, while others are better at cooling you down.

Performance criteria for windows and skylights are based on ratings certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), and are different for all climate zones. Here is a great graphic that explains things in more detail. You can locate your climate zone on the map.

Common Product Features

Many ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors and skylights have many product features in detail, but not all are required. We’ll take windows for our example. What makes a window energy efficient?

Framing Materials

• Fiberglass frames are durable, strong, low in maintenance, and good at insulation.
• Vinyl frames have good thermal insulation and are low maintenance.
• Aluminum frames are recyclable, durable, and low maintenance.
• Wood frames are strong, good insulators, and are great for historical neighborhoods. To reduce maintenance, the exterior surfaces are typically covered with aluminum or vinyl.
• Combination frames use a variety of materials separately throughout the frame and sash.
• Composite frames have materials that are blended together to result in durable, low-maintenance, well-insulated windows.

Benefits of ENERGY STAR Qualified Windows

There are many advantages to having ENERGY STAR qualified windows in your home. Here are a few of them:

• You can save money, as they lower energy bills. You use less energy with more efficient windows, plus it reduces greenhouse gas emissions from homes, businesses and power plants.
• They add to your comfort. You don’t have to deal with overheated spaces and cold drafts any longer. With certified windows, you can keep your home’s temperature more consistent.
• You can protect your valuables. ENERGY STAR windows have low-emissivity (low-E) coatings which reduce UV ray damage to furniture, carpets and drapes.
• You can lower your carbon footprint with new certified windows. Did you know that ENERGY STAR certified windows can shrink energy bills and carbon footprints by 12 percent nationwide compared with non-certified products?

Contact Rescom Exteriors for ENERGY STAR Certified Replacement Windows

To learn more about our ENERGY STAR products and NFRC labels, please contact us for a free quote and consultation.

What to Know About Energy Efficient Windows and ENERGY STAR

By Great Lakes Window

Highly efficient windows with high standards.

Having energy efficient windows is one of the most common reasons people replace their old windows and doors. If you are looking for the most efficient windows then you will want to use ENERGY STAR qualified windows. ENERGY STAR independently tests and certifies energy performance for a number of consumer products, and sets the standard for energy efficient windows across different regions of the United States.

All of the Great Lakes Windows and Doors are manufactured to the strict performance levels set by ENERGY STAR. The ecoSmart windows feature our most efficient products that are built to resist the heat and cold to offer seasonal comfort. In 2018 it was awarded the ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient Mark.

Great Lakes Window meets or exceeds the requirements in all 50 states. In addition, we can exceed requirements for the Northern Zone, by up to 48% with select glass packages. Windows with a low U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rating will help provide comfort all year long while saving on heating and cooling costs.

What makes a window energy efficient?

Below are four common ratings that are provided for windows certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). These are some of the same ratings that are used to certify products.

U-Factor – A measure of the rate of heat flow through a window. The greater a window’s resistance to heat flow the better its insulating properties are. A lower U-Factor indicates a higher performing window that can help reduce heating and cooling costs.

Visible Light Transmittance (VT) – The measure of how much light passes through a window.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – The amount of solar radiation allowed to pass through a window. The lower the number, the less solar heat gain the window permits.

Structural-Design Pressure (DP) – The amount of wind pressure a window will withstand when closed and locked.

Technical performance, right on the window.

Every Great Lakes Window and Door is custom made just for you. Our products take into account your specific home’s measurements, and the energy requirements recommended for your area. When your windows are delivered they will each be labeled with an NFRC sticker that shows the certified technical performance ratings of each of your new windows.

Example NFRC sticker that comes on every Great Lakes Window, ensuring your new window is ENERGY STAR qualified

When scheduling your free in-home estimate with a Great Lakes Window dealer, be sure to ask about the ENERGY STAR requirements in your region of the country. Your dealer will be happy to work with you to help you pick the best energy efficient windows to help you save on your heating and cooling costs.

Computers

ENERGY STAR makes it easy to find an energy-saving computer to meet your needs. Using the ENERGY STAR product finder, you can select from hundreds of certified efficient computers from the best, most trusted, and most popular brands — like Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo and others. In addition, you can filter the list of models by specific attributes such as:

• Form factor (e.g., desktop, notebook, two-in-one notebook, tablet, etc.)
• Processor speed
• Memory
• Networking features

Computers come in a wide range of forms and functions – from lightweight tablets to that old office workhorse, the desktop computer. However, the boundaries continue to blur. You can buy a new desktop computer almost as small and inconspicuous as a laptop or find a laptop that’s just as powerful as desktop. There are laptops designed to be used like tablets and all-in-one desktops without a separate monitor. See our buying guidance for help navigating all the options and select the right model for your situation.

Regardless of the form and function you seek, be sure to look for computers that have earned the ENERGY STAR label to save energy and help protect the climate. They are third-party certified to be energy efficient and use 25% — 40% less than conventional models by using the most efficient components and better managing energy use when idle.

Interested in energy efficient office phones, multi-function copiers, printers, scanners, or monitors? Learn more about ENERGY STAR certified office equipment.

Current Specification Effective Date: October 15, 2020

The ENERGY STAR certified computer product criteria require that computers operate efficiently in multiple modes of operation (such as Off, Sleep, and Idle), utilize efficient power management features, and utilize energy efficient power supplies.

The ENERGY STAR performance specification covers desktops, integrated desktops, notebooks, slate/tablets, portable all-in-ones, thin clients, and workstations, tailoring the criteria to each product type. It provides a base allowance per product type, which limits the amount of energy the product can consume and then adds allowances for features that increase energy demand. In addition, the specification sets requirements for power management. These are set so that the display will go to sleep within 15 minutes of user inactivity and the system will go to sleep within 30 minutes of user activity.

For a complete description of the specification, please go to Computers Version 8.0 Program Requirements.

Best Practices When Buying a New Computer

When buying a new computer, start by searching for those products that are ENERGY STAR certified. ENERGY STAR certified computers are set up to save you energy straight out of the box and cover all types of computer types. However, there are additional considerations that can save you even more energy, when making your purchasing decision.

1. What type of computer do you need?

There are so many different types of computers in the market and they each use different amounts of energy. Consider what you need the computer for and adjust the processing power to that need. Tablets are the least energy consumptive products and can easily handle internet browsing, streaming, and other general usage.

Other products, in order of increasing energy consumption, are notebooks (and two in ones), integrated desktops, desktops, and workstations. These products can offer increasing performance if you are doing more computational work. Each product offers different benefits and drawbacks so it is important to consider all the factors of how you will use the product.

2. Consider purchasing solid state drive (SSD) storage.

SSD storage options are rapidly becoming more cost effective with each generation and these products offer better performance, particularly speed, and increased efficiency compared to hard drives.

3. How much computing and graphics performance do you need?

The fastest CPU/GPUs are not always needed depending on how you are using your computer and often come at an additional cost. Consider what the end-use is for the device and target the appropriate performance for that use.

4. What display are you using?

Higher resolution and/or enhanced performance integrated displays, such as 4K, come at a much greater energy cost as well as negatively impacting the battery life of the notebook computer.

Once you have your ENERGY STAR certified computer, make sure that you do not turn off the sleep settings on the device as this offers the best pathway to continued savings for your device. Your ENERGY STAR certified computer has its power management settings installed as-shipped. If you are looking to make the case to your IT administrator to turn on the power management settings, use this calculator to show the savings that can be achieved by engaging power management.

Storm Windows

ENERGY STAR certified storm windows use “low emissivity” or low-e glass to improve the energy performance of your home compared to clear glass storm windows. ENERGY STAR certified storm windows are designed to allow the right amount of solar heat through your windows to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and help you save on energy bills. ENERGY STAR certified storm windows are an affordable option for homes where full window replacement may be difficult, such as lower-income households, low-rise multi-family households, households working with HUD or weatherization programs, or households in historic preservation districts.

EPA estimates that on a national average, ENERGY STAR certified (low-e) storm windows can save homeowners $350 on their annual heating and cooling bills (about 10%) when installed over single-pane clear glass windows (without existing storm windows). Consumers can expect to pay back the incremental cost of the ENERGY STAR certified storm windows in about three (3) years. These estimates are conservative and do not include savings from reducing air leaks from older windows, which provides additional savings but can vary substantially from house to house. Actual homeowner savings will depend on local climate, individual home characteristics, and local utility rates.

Consumers who already have clear glass storm windows over their single pane windows and replace the storms with ENERGY STAR certified (low-e) storm windows can save an additional $50 per year on heating and cooling (about 2%) on a national average.

Earning the ENERGY STAR label means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Use the PRODUCT FINDER link above (on the right) to find the full list of ENERGY STAR certified storm windows.

Current Specification Effective Date: September 5, 2018

ENERGY STAR certified storm windows must meet the emissivity, solar transmittance (Tsol), and air leakage requirements based on climate zone.

Scope:

1. Included Products: Products that meet the definition of exterior and interior storm windows that are intended for use in residential buildings as specified herein and are eligible for ENERGY STAR certification, with the exception of products listed under excluded products.
2. Excluded Products: Products described below are ineligible for ENERGY STAR certification.
   • Exterior storm windows without weep holes or other features that allow moisture to drain from between the storm window and primary window.
   • Storm windows that are intended for non-residential buildings.
   • Storm doors.
   • Partial components of an exterior or interior storm window.

What should you consider when purchasing storm windows?

Before purchasing storm windows, consider these questions:

• What is a “low-e” storm window? A storm window with low-e glass has a microscopically thin, almost invisible, durable coating that reduces heat loss through the window glass when it is cold outside, saving on heating bills. Some low-e glass also has a low solar transmittance (Tsol) rating that blocks heat coming in from the outside and can help to keep your house cooler in the summer, saving on air conditioning bills. Some types of durable plastic storm windows may also have low-e characteristics.
• Why are ENERGY STAR certified storm windows better than other storm windows? The ENERGY STAR label makes it easy to select low-e storm windows that are designed to deliver cost-effective energy savings in your area. ENERGY STAR certified storm windows are tested and certified to meet the program requirements and are subject to additional routine performance verification testing.
• Which ENERGY STAR certified storm windows are best for my location? The climate where you live affects which low-e storm window product is best in your location. Therefore, every ENERGY STAR certified storm window has a label with a map to indicate which part of the country that product is designed for. Look for the label to determine whether the storm windows you are considering are ENERGY STAR certified in your location.

North-Central/South-Central/Southern Zone Label

What else should I consider in my purchasing decision?

• Are your current windows still in good condition? Storm windows work best when installed over working primary windows that are in good condition. If your current windows are rotted, not operating properly, or damaged beyond reasonable repair, adding low-e storm windows may not be appropriate. Instead, consider replacing them with new ENERGY STAR certified windows.
• Are your current windows single-pane or double-pane with clear (not low-e) glass? Low-e storm windows offer the most savings potential when installed over single-pane windows that do not have low-e glass. You will also save energy with low-e storm windows installed over double-pane windows that have clear glass, but you should expect a longer payback period.
• Do your current windows have metal frames? It is very important to use thermal breaks (small non-metal separators) when installing ENERGY STAR certified storm windows over metal-framed primary windows. Storm windows typically have aluminum frames, and this can conduct outside heat or cold through the metal frame of the storm window, diminishing the expected comfort and energy savings.
• Is your home historic? Low-e storm windows can be a good option if you live in a neighborhood with historic preservation requirements or you like the historic look of your original windows. Check to make sure that the historic preservation requirements in your neighborhood (if any) allow the use of storm windows.
• Are your current windows tinted? If your current windows already have tinted glass, adding a low-e storm window may reduce the visible light transmitted through the window, making them even darker. Some people prefer tinted glass to reduce glare, while others prefers more daylight.
• Do your current windows open and close? Interior and exterior storm windows are available in both operable and fixed models. Choose a storm window that matches the operability of your current windows. This is especially important when installing storm windows in bedrooms and other places where emergency escape and rescue windows may be needed or are required by building codes.
• Are your current windows difficult to clean? Adding storm windows to older, difficult-to-open windows may make cleaning windows more difficult. Consider storm windows with features designed to make cleaning easy.
• Is your neighborhood or street noisy? Adding storm windows can be an inexpensive way to reduce noise from outside, making your home somewhat quieter.
• Do I need my storm windows to have safety glass? Safety glass is stronger than regular glass and is designed to shatter into little pieces (instead of larger, more dangerous shards) when broken. There may be state or local residential building codes that require safety glass in storm-prone regions or more accident-prone locations in the home (near stairs, for example). Check your local building code requirements for more information.
• Do you live in a place where the temperature gets extremely hot (above 115 degrees Fahrenheit)? In very hot climates and under certain conditions, low-e storm windows can trap heat between the original window and the storm window. If you already have double-pane or low-e coated windows and you live in a hot, sunny climate where the temperature frequently goes above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, you should consider awnings, solar screens or full replacement with ENERGY STAR certified low-SHGC windows as an alternative to storm windows.
• Should you have a professional install your ENERGY STAR certified storm windows? If your ENERGY STAR storm windows are not installed correctly, you may not realize all of the possible energy savings benefits. Professional installers can correctly install storm windows and inform you of local building code requirements and other considerations. All ENERGY STAR storm windows are required to include (or have a web link to) detailed installation instructions