Energy-efficient home appliances and building products can help you reduce your energy bills. Windows, which are part of the envelope of your home, play a big role in your home’s energy efficiency. In fact, the Department of Energy↗ reports that “Heat gain and heat loss through windows [is] responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.”
Learn how to save on your energy expenses with ENERGY STAR® certified windows in this quick post.
The ENERGY STAR® program↗ was established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992. The program is operated by the EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide consumers and businesses with credible and unbiased information regarding cost-saving energy-efficient solutions.
Visit ENERGY STAR®’s website to find more information on certified products, appliances, lighting and more. Skip to the end of this post for ENERGY STAR® certification criteria for windows.
There are a few ways to tell if replacement windows will meet ENERGY STAR’s criteria. The first way requires knowing what ENERGY STAR’s criteria is, ENERGY STAR Partner List↗ for Windows, Doors, and Skylights
Search Energy Star window manufacturers.
Our team at Brennan Enterprises can work with you to build ENERGY STAR certified replacement windows. All of the vendors we work with are ENERGY STAR partners.
What makes a window ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR qualified windows meet the following criteria:
ENERGY STAR certified windows meet performance criteria based on certified ratings from the NFRC.
NFRC ratings from product to product. Differences in operation style, size, type of spacer, and glass package all affect NFRC ratings. ENERGY STAR provides a listing of partners and certified products online; the product listings are fairly difficult to read so we recommend speaking with a window company and asking for specific product ratings. Most companies will need to “build the window” in their quoting systems in order to provide you with the most accurate information.
Homeowners in Texas can reach out to our team to learn about the products from the ENERGY STAR partners below. Many of the vendors on this list work with dealers nationwide so if you are outside of the Texas area you should have a local dealer near you.
Explore our window options using the links below.
The materials windows are made of react differently to weather conditions. To address these differences ENERGY STAR criteria vary by climate zone.
Use this link to find the ENERGY STAR climate zone for your location↗.
Performance criteria are based on ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council.
Learn more about NFRC ratings: NFRC Window Ratings Explained
WINDOWS ENERGY STAR CRITERIA |
||
Climate Zone |
U-Factor |
SHGC |
Northern |
≤ 0.27 |
Any |
Northern-Central |
≤ 0.30 |
≤ 0.40 |
South-Central |
≤ 0.30 |
≤ 0.25 |
Southern |
≤ 0.40 |
≤ 0.25 |
Many ENERGY STAR certified windows have similar features including:
Each of these window technologies can improve the window’s energy efficiency but remember, energy performance depends on the sum of all parts. Window ratings account for the whole window’s energy properties, that’s what makes NFRC ratings so valuable.
When you're ready to purchase new or replacement windows, remember to ask about NFRC ratings and whether the windows you're being offered meet ENERGY STAR criteria for your region.
We don't currently serve your area but do want to help you plan your project. Try our Build & Price tool to get an idea of window & door costs within DFW. Your area may be higher or lower but at least you'll have some idea of the price.
Thanks for stopping by.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by Brennan Enterprises via call, email and text. To opt-out, you can reply “stop” at any time or click the unsubscribe link in the emails. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. | Privacy Policy.