Energy Star
What It Means & Why It's Important
When a product is Energy Star-rated, it meets or exceeds energy efficiency standards set by the Energy Star program, which is a voluntary program that was initially established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992. The program was created to assist consumers in identifying and purchasing energy-efficient products that use less energy and lead to cost savings on utility bills. Beginning with computer and printer products, since 1995 the program has expanded to include many residential heating and cooling systems, home appliances and electronics, windows and doors. In 2001, Canada introduced Energy Star as an international partner in the voluntary program.
When a product is Energy Star-rated, it meets or exceeds energy efficiency standards set by the Energy Star program, which is a voluntary program that was initially established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992. The program was created to assist consumers in identifying and purchasing energy-efficient products that use less energy and lead to cost savings on utility bills. Beginning with computer and printer products, since 1995 the program has expanded to include many residential heating and cooling systems, home appliances and electronics, windows and doors. In 2001, Canada introduced Energy Star as an international partner in the voluntary program.
In order to earn the Energy Star label, all products undergo strict testing from independent laboratories. These tests are designed to assess a product’s energy performance and efficiency and whether it meets or surpasses other agreed-upon criteria for the product type. When choosing Energy Star-rated windows and doors, you are making a conscious decision to reduce your energy consumption, lower your utility bills, and make the best environmentally friendly choice.
Your windows and doors can be a significant source of energy loss (heating and cooling, up to 25% of your home’s total), and installing Energy Star-rated products will reduce the loss, help you save energy, and lower your energy bills.
Energy Star vs. High Efficiency
An important thing to remember about Energy Star is that it is standardized and determined by the EPA (and other local government agencies) in collaboration with industry leaders and experts. This means similar products are held to the same standards, and the Energy Star label can be used to compare them easily side-by-side. Energy Star products will meet or exceed any standard set by high-efficiency products.
The term “High Efficiency” on products is not a standardized term. A product claiming to be high efficiency could easily be above, below, or on par with any other product available on the market, and does not require any special testing, or labeling. Without proper testing and scrutinization, “high efficiency” just becomes a fancy marketing buzzword.
Benefits of Choosing Energy Star
Quality Assurance
Certification ensures that the products perform just as well, or better than, standard products without compromising performance. The Energy Star label is proof that these products have been tested and will operate as intended.
Tested & Certified
All products with the Energy Star label have had their claims verified and must meet strict industry-led efficiency standards.
Save Energy
Energy Star-certified products are typically in the top 15-30% of their class for energy performance. (Since 1992, Energy Star and partners estimate families and businesses have saved over 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity and avoided more than $450 billion (USD) in energy costs.)
Save Money
Reducing your energy use will lead to a direct reduction in your power utility bills.
Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
Home energy use accounts for approximately ¼ of your personal carbon footprint. By reducing your energy use, you will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation.
Save Time
Seeing the Energy Star symbol or label is a shortcut to finding the top energy performers when searching for your product.
Importance of Energy Star Rating for Windows and Doors
Energy Savings
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Energy Star-certified windows are about 20% more energy efficient than an average window.
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Energy Star-certified doors are about 15% more efficient, and
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Energy Star-certified skylights are about 35% more efficient.
Some of the most efficient products see upwards of 55% more energy efficient than the average industry model. This means it is easier to maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reduce the workload of heating and cooling systems, and lower utility bills.
Ultraviolet Light Protection
Low-emissivity coatings (Low-E) on Energy Star-certified windows, doors, and skylights reduce ultraviolet (UV) sun damage (fading/discolouration) to floors, carpets, furniture, and other objects in the interior of your home (by an average of 75%). This also will reduce the “heat gain” from sunlight into your home, without reducing the visible light.
Reduced Environmental Impact
The more energy efficient your windows and doors are will dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of your home. Less energy consumption means reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to energy production.
Noise Reduction
Energy-efficient windows and doors with proper insulation can help reduce outdoor noise transmission into your home, making for a quieter and more peaceful environment. This can come in handy if you live in a noisy neighbourhood or near busy roads.
Professional Installation
Do not depend purely on product quality to ensure the desired improvement. Improperly installed windows and doors may cause leaks, drafts, or water damage to your home. Book a professional team to make sure windows and doors are correctly installed so you get the most benefit from your home upgrade.
Understanding the Energy Star Label
U-Factor
The U-Factor is a measurement of how well a material prevents heated or cooled air from escaping a room. It is measured on a scale of 0.20 - 1.20. A lower number means the product is more efficient.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
The SHGC is a measurement of how well a product can resist unwanted heat gain, or solar heat absorption. The range is 0 - 1, with the lower numbers being more efficient.
Visual Transmittance
Visual Transmittance is a measurement of how well a window lets light into your home. It is measured on a scale of 0 - 1, with higher numbers letting more natural light in.
Energy Rating (ER)
The ER is a value that demonstrates the balance between U-Factor, SHGC, and air leakage. The higher the number, the more efficient the product.
R-value
The R-value of a product indicates the resistance to heat transfer. The higher the number, the more efficient the product. The R-value is often not considered part of energy performance standards but is often quoted as a mark of quality and performance.
GEM and Energy Star
Most GEM Windows and Doors come affixed with the Energy Star label, and we are proud to be a 2x (2018 and 2019) Energy Star Retailer of the Year as recognized by Energy Star Canada. Come visit our showroom or contact us today for more details regarding our wide range of Energy Star windows and doors.
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In conclusion, over the past 30 years, Energy Star has become a symbol of environmental responsibility and energy efficiency by standardizing industry norms to make them easier for consumers to understand. It has led to higher product quality, as well as significant cost-savings through energy reduction, improved comfort indoors through better insulation and temperature control, increases protection against UV rays, noise reduction and a dramatically decreased environmental impact through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Consumers are empowered through making sustainable choices, that promote energy efficiency while leading to direct financial savings in the long term.