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Energy Star Standards for Doors and Windows

Energy Star standards allow you to quickly find products that offer the best energy efficiency. Verdun Doors and Windows offers a wide range of products, including doors and windows, that meet Energy Star standards. Learn more by continuing to read.

What is Energy Star Certification?

Energy Star standards were implemented several years ago to group residential products that meet very high eco-responsibility criteria to significantly reduce energy loss and thus reduce energy consumption. Since then, many products such as doors, windows, and appliances have been Energy Star certified. The Government of Canada has implemented new specifications, effective January 1, 2020, which are much stricter. This will make it easier for consumers to ensure maximum insulation and achieve even greater savings.

Higher Standards Since 2020

Certification is now reserved for the top 20% of the most energy-efficient products sold in Canada. This does not necessarily mean that doors and windows now not certified by Energy Star are of poor quality. Several categories of products will naturally be favored by the new standards, such as triple-glazed windows, which have excellent insulation, or fixed windows (which do not open). Other categories, such as windows with grids or false mullions, will be automatically excluded.

As of January 1, 2020, a single climate zone now encompasses all of Canada, unlike the previous three zones before 2020. This climate zone determines residents’ needs for energy efficiency. Only products that meet the specifications of this zone will be Energy Star certified. Given the harshness of our climate, the standards will be very high.

Window installation

Measuring the energy efficiency of a window

To make an informed decision when the time comes to purchase new windows, it’s important for you to understand the values that represent their energy efficiency.

The R-value measures the insulation of a material or product. The higher the value, the better the insulation. The building code requires that the insulation of walls, ceilings, doors, and windows, for example, has a certain R-value to be compliant.
The U-value measures the product’s resistance to heat variations; it evaluates its heat transfer rate. A low value is desired to prevent the heat inside the house from escaping through the windows in winter, or the sun from heating the house in summer.
Finally, the ER (Energy Rating) is calculated according to a formula that establishes a balance ratio between a product’s U-value, its solar gain coefficient, and its air tightness. The higher the ER, the higher the energy efficiency of a product will be considered.

Here are the minimum values to meet the new Energy Star standards:

values for meeting the new Energy Star

FAQ

Are there specific subsidies for Energy Star-certified windows?

In Quebec, the Rénoclimat program provides financial assistance for eco-energy renovations. Doors and windows are included in this assistance, but they must be Energy Star certified to be eligible for the subsidy. After purchasing your doors and windows, be sure to keep the Energy Star sticker and your receipts to ensure your eligibility.

Does buying doors and windows with the Energy Star seal make a difference?

Yes, buying doors and windows with the Energy Star seal can make a significant difference for several reasons. First, Energy Star products are designed to be more energy-efficient. They help reduce heat loss in winter and minimize heat gain in summer. This helps maintain a more stable and comfortable indoor temperature, which in turn helps reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling.