What You Need To Know About The ENERGY STAR Program
If you are planning to purchase new windows this year, you might have read that changes were made to the ENERGY STAR® program effective January 1st, 2020. As the bar for energy efficiency continues to rise, the technical standards and specifications are changing.
This means that in order to qualify under the ENERGY STAR program, residential windows, doors, and skylights sold in Canada must meet a new and higher set of efficiency standards. We’re breaking down what you need to know about the ENERGY STAR program and how it will affect you as a homeowner. Read on for a full explanation.
What is ENERGY STAR?
The ENERGY STAR program allows items in over 75 categories that meet certain criteria relating to energy efficiency to be labelled as ENERGY STAR certified.
What you need to know about the ENERGY STAR program is that it changes as standards and requirements for energy efficiency evolve and change.
The metrics used to calculate energy efficiency can be found here, but the explanations are quite technical and can be hard to understand.
In short, what you really need to know is that the purpose of energy ratings is to indicate how effectively a window will:
- Keep heat in during the winter
- Keep cool air in during the summer
- Allow light to pass through the glass
- Prevent air from passing through the glass and frame
How We Measure Energy Efficiency
When you’re in the market for new windows and doors, find out what the U-value and R-value are. They are always effective at measuring energy efficiency.
To save on your energy consumption, purchase windows and doors with a high R-value and a low U-value.
Bavarian’s Guarantee
At Bavarian Window Works, we have always offered a no-nonsense approach to understanding energy ratings. We have a wide selection of high-quality windows and doors that meet and exceed the standards set out by ENERGY STAR.
If you have more specific questions about the ENERGY STAR program and rebates, you can check out this government page for more information and criteria.
We know there’s a lot to consider when purchasing new windows for your home. Visit the Bavarian Window Works showroom to learn more about all our great options. We will help you figure out what will work best in your home!