ENERGY STAR Rated Vinyl Windows

The ENERGY STAR®↗ logo has become one of the most widely recognized symbols in the country. The ENERGY STAR program certifies energy-efficient home appliances and building products. Energy-efficient windows improve the comfort of your home while decreasing the amount of energy you spend.

Replacement windows made primarily from vinyl are currently the most popular choice for homeowners. One reason for vinyl’s popularity is its energy ratings. Read on to learn more about ENERGY STAR rated vinyl windows.

Energy Efficient Windows

As the weather outside changes, your home loses or gains heat through its windows. The exterior walls of your home provide insulation as does the roofing and front door, your windows should do so as well. Windows with high-performance glass packages can certainly help minimize heat gain or loss. Reducing heat gain or loss through windows means your heating and cooling systems won’t have to work as hard to maintain the set temperature inside your home.

Benefits of Efficient Windows

The Efficient Windows Collaborative is one of the leading resources on new construction and replacement windows. Below are 6 benefits of efficient windows↗ according to the Efficient Windows Collaborative.

Energy Savings
Lower HVAC Costs
Improved Comfort
Reduced Condensation
Increased Light & View
Reduced Fading

Reduced condensation, increased lighting, and reduced fading are a few benefits that aren’t usually mentioned when we talk about the benefits of energy-efficient windows.

Reduced Condensation

Condensation is a common problem with windows. High-performance windows include technology that reduces the likelihood of condensation or frost build-up. That doesn’t mean the windows will be completely immune to condensation or frost because indoor humidity levels also affect condensation.

Increased Light & View

Heat-gain through windows is often reduced by adding window tints or using window shades, unfortunately, this reduces the amount of natural light entering the home. Modern windows with high-performance glass are made with low-E coatings that reduce solar heat gain without obstructing your views.

Reduced Fading

Windows without glass coatings also result in faded carpets, floors, and artwork. Without special coatings, ultraviolet (UV) rays enter through the window causing fading in some materials.

What Makes A Window ENERGY STAR Rated?

For a window to be ENERGY STAR® compliant, windows must be independently tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFCR)↗ and meet energy efficiency standards set by the US Environmental protection agency. ENERGY STAR® certified windows must also be manufactured by an ENERGY STAR partner.

ENERGY STAR Performance Criteria

WINDOWS ENERGY STAR CRITERIA
Climate Zone	U-Factor	SHGC
Northern	≤ 0.27	Any
North Central	≤ 0.30	≤ 0.40
South Central	≤ 0.30	≤ 0.25
Southern	≤ 0.40	≤ 0.25

ENERGY STAR Climate Zones

ENERGY STAR Rated Vinyl Windows

Check out the table below to see the average U-Factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) ratings for windows with vinyl frames. The averages below are based on ENERGY STAR’s “Most Efficient 2020”↗ list.

	Min. U-Factor	Max. U-Factor	Min. SHGC	Max. SHFC
Northern	0.19	0.19	0.36	0.38
North Central	0.18	0.19	0.25	0.29
South Central	0.18	0.19	0.16	0.18
Southern	0.18	0.19	0.15	0.17

Brennan Vinyl Windows

NT Vinyl Windows

Milgard Vinyl Windows

Additional Benefits of Vinyl Windows

In addition to having great energy performance vinyl windows have many other benefits that make them a great choice for homeowners.

Vinyl windows are affordable compared to windows made from other materials like fiberglass or wood
Vinyl windows are less likely to warp like wood or dent like metal
Vinyl windows are low-maintenance and don’t need to be repainted or stained
Vinyl windows aren’t sensitive to everyday household cleaners

If you’re ready to purchase vinyl replacement windows for your home start your search with the windows listed above. If these brands aren’t available in your area try another brand from ENERGY STAR’s Partner List↗.

Homeowners near Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston can contact our team at Brennan Enterprises for window sales and installation services.

Brennan

Published: March 18, 2020

Updated: July 13, 2021

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