Invest In Energy Efficient Windows And Doors For Your Texas Home
Your home’s doors, windows and skylights work hard to keep your home protected from the elements, just like a jacket. And jackets come in different styles for different climates, just like windows and doors! Even though Texas homes require different insulation than those up North, your windows and doors can still be ENERGY STAR qualified.
Navigating your choices for doors and windows is confusing, but Window World TX makes it easy! We can help you boost your San Antonio home’s efficiency through these property essentials. Windows are our world, so let’s explain how they qualify for ENERGY STAR ratings.
What Does ENERGY STAR Do?
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program administered by The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It consists of a symbol placed on products that are applauded for their high energy efficiency standards. Many objects can qualify for this honor, including computer monitors, washing machines and light fixtures. Your windows, doors and insulation products can also fall under this category.
When you choose Window World for energy-efficient windows and doors, you can expect lasting results in your home. Our products help conserve energy and lower utility costs. We work hard to make your home as aesthetically appealing, functional and efficient as possible.
What Are The ENERGY STAR Qualification Requirements?
In order to be ENERGY STAR qualified, windows and doors must:
- Be manufactured by ENERGY STAR partners
- Receive independent testing, certification and verification from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
- Receive NFRC ratings that meet the energy efficiency guidelines outlined by the EPA.
Products do not need to have specific technology to meet ENERGY STAR standards, but there are features common among certified products.
ENERGY STAR Performance Standards
Different climates require different insulation standards. The NFRC outlines the performance criteria for skylights and windows, and these standards are based on your climate zone. While Alaska may need heavy insulation because it’s in the Northern climate zone, San Antonio is in the Southern climate zone, which has different standards.
Energy-Efficient Windows
For windows, the NFRC bases its ratings on U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and Air Leakage measurements. Each of these requirements has its own importance:
- U-Factor — This measurement shows how well the window insulates. It measures the window’s rate of heat transfer, and it ranges from 0.25-1.25, with lower values showing better insulation.
- SHGC — This rating showcases how well the window blocks heat created by sunlight. This measures how much solar energy is transmitted with a typical range of 0.25-0.80, and a lower value means less solar heat is created.
- Air Leakage (AL) — indicates how much air passes through the window’s joints. A lower AL value relates to less air leakage, and most buildings require an AL rate of 0.3.
In the Southern zone, the NFRC requires windows to have a U-Factor of 0.60 or lower and an SHGC of 0.28 or lower to receive ENERGY STAR qualification.
Energy-Efficient Doors
Where windows have more glass than frame, the opposite is true for doors. Therefore, doors can offer more insulation than windows, so they have additional criteria. The NFRC also rates doors based on their glazing level, which is the amount of glass they have.
Doors in Southern climates need a glazing level greater than ½-Lite, a U-Factor less than 0.30, and an SHGC less than 0.25 for an ENERGY STAR rating.
Why Buy ENERGY STAR Rated Products?
So, what is the benefit of buying ENERGY STAR-qualified home essentials? ENERGY STAR labels indicate the product has above-average energy efficiency performance. This is proven through the product’s independent testing and certification by NFRC, and those certifications are included on the label.
An energy-efficient home saves money on your energy bills, and it helps the environment! Adding energy-efficient appliances and fixtures to your home can greatly reduce the amount of energy you’ll use to power your home. For example, properly insulated doors can keep you from losing tempered air through crevices so you don’t overwork your air systems.
ENERGY STAR labels are indicators of a verified energy-efficient product, and there’s lots to love about energy efficiency!
Professional Window Installation In San Antonio
Window World TX is proud to provide energy-efficient windows and doors to Texas homeowners. We know that proper installation can truly make or break your window’s energy efficiency, that’s why it’s important to have a window company you can trust.
Our professional installers will make sure that your new addition is installed flawlessly. So you can say goodbye to air leakage, rest easy knowing that your window is sealed properly and say hello to your new favorite window professionals!
Visit us today and find the ENERGY STAR-certified windows and doors of your dreams.
