Are Simonton windows ENERGY STAR certified?

We often meet with homeowners who tell us they are interested in improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Replacing their windows is one way to help them reach their goal. In Texas and other parts of the country, our summers have gotten hotter and winters colder, so this interest in energy-efficient windows and products makes a lot of sense. Many homeowners are familiar with the ENERGY STAR program because many home products carry the little blue label, from large appliances to televisions. You can also look for the label on windows and doors. ENERGY STAR-certified products have met strict standards set forth by the EPA, so you can be sure you are making a good investment.

In this post, we're focused on Simonton windows. It's a popular brand that many homeowners have questions about. One of the most common questions is, are Simonton windows ENERGY STAR certified? Read on to learn which Simonton windows are certified and more. 

Does Simonton offer energy-efficient windows?

Simonton does offer an extensive collection of windows that meet ENERGY STAR criteria. The ENERGY STAR program identified three types of Simonton triple-pane windows↗ as "Most Energy Efficient" products for 2022. Below are the names of the window series, along with the regions where they are available. Always double-check with your contractor or retailer that the window ratings do meet your local energy performance minimums as criteria vary from state to state.

• Simonton Reflections - Available in East region states 
• Simonton Madeira - Available in West region states
• Simonton Impressions - Available in East region states

Simonton is an ENERGY STAR partner↗ and has been for more than two decades. This window manufacturer has dedicated a great deal of time and resources to ensure their products can meet energy-saving standards the EPA set forth. 

Are all Simonton windows ENERGY STAR certified?

No. Although Simonton is a well-established ENERGY STAR partner, not all windows manufactured by Simonton are certified. However, that doesn't mean you can't improve the efficiency of a Simonton window. You can, depending on what type of customizations Simonton allows. Creating ENERGY STAR-rated windows depends on several factors, such as:

• The quality of the window frame construction
• The material of the window frame 
• The glass package in the window 

To certify windows, they must meet predetermined requirements for U-Factor, and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)↗ performs these rating tests. 

Factors that affect the energy efficiency of a window

As noted above, many factors can affect the overall energy efficiency of a window. The two most critical elements of a window that determine its overall efficiency are the type of glass and window frame materials used in manufacturing. 

The two energy ratings considered by ENERGY STAR are U-Factor (also known as U-Value) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. U-factor refers to the amount of non-solar heat flow transferred through a window. And solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) measures the heat gain caused by sunlight.

The lower the numbers on every measurement, the more efficient the window is considered to be. 

In Texas, we focus more on SHGC because we get a lot of sun. The heat from the sun can cause our homes to heat up a lot in the summer; that's why we look for solutions to minimize that heat gain. Because our winters are mild compared to Northern winters, we're not as concerned about the U-factor, but it will still matter during cold months. U-factor measures a window's insulating value. When our heat is on in the winter, we want to keep it inside our homes; otherwise, it's just money going out the window.

• U-Factor measures the rate of heat transfer and tells you how well the window insulates. The lower the U-factor, the better the window insulates.
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures the fraction of solar energy transmitted and tells you how well the product blocks heat caused by sunlight. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat the window transfers.

Learn more: NFRC Window Ratings Explained

Energy-Efficient Windows Must Meet the Criteria for Your Area

The criteria for your windows are specific to the region where they will be installed. Some brands even limit product offerings for purchase to certain locations. For example, Simonton's Reflections, Madeira, and Impressions windows are made with specific regions in mind. Simonton and other manufacturers also try to make windows that will work everywhere. That's the case with the Simonton 6500 Series double-hung windows. These windows meet the guidelines set forth by ENERGY STAR in all regions and are widely available. 

As we mentioned, you can also work with your Simonton retailer to improve the energy performance of your chosen windows. Ask about improvements like low-E coatings, using insulating gas like argon or krypton, are triple-pane IGUs available, how about foam in the frame? These features may not be available, but if you have already decided on purchasing Simonton windows and making them energy-efficient, it's worth the ask.

A final word on finding ENERGY STAR-certified windows with Brennan 

Many windows can be designed to meet ENERGY STAR criteria. Simonton windows are just one example of a manufacturer that offers ENERGY STAR-certified products. Andersen, Alside, and NT Window also offer customizable options at various price points. If you want to explore other brand options, let your sales representative know that your focus is on purchasing windows that meet the ENERGY STAR criteria for your region.

Ready to discuss the most energy-efficient window and door options for your North Texas home? Reach out to Brennan to get the conversation started or request pricing today.