Windows and doors are a major source of heat loss in Canadian homes. Products that qualify for the ENERGY STAR mark have been independently tested and certified to be among the most energy-efficient on the market, so installing them in your home will reduce your energy consumption and save you money. But there’s more: energy-efficient windows will also increase your comfort, cut down noise levels from outside the home, have less condensation in cold weather than standard products, and allow fewer ultraviolet rays to pass through glazed areas, thus better protecting your valuables from sun damage. Last but certainly not least, by reducing your home’s energy consumption, ENERGY STAR qualified products also reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to climate change.
Zones
Canada has been divided into four climate zones based on an average annual temperature indicator called a heating degree day (HDD). The higher the HDD value, the colder a location and the longer the heating season is. As the climate zones become progressively colder, fenestration products must meet increasingly rigorous performance requirements to qualify for ENERGY STAR. This means that a window, door or skylight that is ENERGY STAR qualified in Zone A – the mildest region in Canada – may not be qualified in Zone D, the coldest. That’s why it’s important to make sure the product you choose is ENERGY STAR qualified in the climate zone where you live.
Qualification
To qualify for the ENERGY STAR mark, products must meet strict technical requirements for both thermal and structural performance. Products are qualified based on either their U-value (rate of heat transfer from a warm area to a cold area) or their Energy Rating (a scale that takes into account a product’s U-value, potential solar gain and airtightness). The colder the climate zone, the more stringent the requirements are. Products must also have good airtightness to qualify for ENERGY STAR. To ensure the integrity of the ENERGY STAR mark, all product testing is done by accredited laboratories under standardized, quality-controlled conditions.
Installation
Installation is best left to a professional. A poorly installed product may not operate properly and could cause cold drafts, even if the product itself is energy efficient. Poor installation may also allow water to leak into the wall cavity, leading to costly damage.
Qualified Window Ratings http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/business/manufacturers/search/windows-search.cfm
Qualified Door Ratings http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/business/manufacturers/search/swinging-doors-search.cfm?attr=4
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