Why buy high performance windows? Created with efficient design and high-quality materials, having the most energy efficient windows installed can save massive amounts of both energy and money. According to the US Department of Energy, windows may be responsible for as much as ten to twenty-five percent of energy costs. In cooler weather, the problem is the loss of heat energy, in warmer weather, the problem is solar heat entering the home. Energy Star ratings have provided consumers with a guide for purchasing the best replacement windows possible for each climate zone.
Energy Star Standards for High Performance Windows
What makes Energy Star replacement windows different from outdated models? When a product comes with the Energy Star sticker, it is guaranteed to have met specific guidelines determined by the Department of Energy. Energy Star high performance windows are tested by the independent agency, the National Fenestration Rating Council to give each new model its specific ratings.
In general, these windows are made with at least two panes of glass. Having two, three, or four panes of glass, either empty, or filled with a non-toxic gas such as krypton, provides extra insulation. They must be constructed with high-quality framing material, such as fiberglass or vinyl. Energy Star windows are usually coated to reflect both infrared and ultraviolet light. This helps to keep heat inside in the winter, and outside in the summer. They are also manufactured with warm edge spacers in order to keep glass panes separated.
