Energy Star Windows—What to Look for When Buying These Windows

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ENERGY STAR Windows — What to Look for When Buying These Windows

Installing energy efficient windows is a wise investment since it is beneficial for the environment and can also result in savings on energy costs. Still, how do you know you’re buying quality windows that will truly conserve energy for your client? The answer is simple: stick to ENERGY STAR windows.

ENERGY STAR windows perform at levels that meet or exceed energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy. While purchasing energy efficient windows can be confusing and frustrating, ENERGY STAR makes it easy. All you have to do is follow these simple steps:

First, you should determine which ENERGY STAR climate zone your remodeling or construction project is located in. ENERGY STAR criteria for windows are tailored to four climate zones because a window that is energy efficient in Florida won’t necessarily be efficient in a cold climate like Michigan. The energy efficiency of a product is based on its heat gain and loss in cold and warm weather. The four climate zones are northern, which is mostly for heating; north/central, which focuses on heating and cooling; south/central which focuses on cooling and heating; and southern which is mostly for cooling.
Then, find a window supplier that provides ENERGY STAR qualified windows. Specifically ask the retailer for ENERGY STAR windows for your climate when placing your order. ASI offers a variety of Energy Star rated windows and supplies them throughout the Southeast.
Look for ENERGY STAR labels for your climate zone. If a product is truly ENERGY STAR qualified, it will have an ENERGY STAR label on display, usually by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The label will tell you if it qualifies for your climate zone, and state the window’s energy performance ratings (U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient).

Purchasing these environmentally friendly windows won’t only save money on heating or cooling bill; there is also a compensation offer when purchasing energy efficient products. ENERGY STAR windows that meet a certain criteria, when purchased between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, can result in up to $1,500 in federal tax credits.

Contact ASI Building Products today for further information.