ENERGY STAR
In 1998, Windows and Doors became official products in the ENERGY STAR program. ENERGY STAR sets energy efficient performance criteria for common consumer products. Some tax credits and incentives require the use of ENERGY STAR qualified products. For windows and doors to qualify, they must be
- Manufactured by an ENERGY STAR partner, like Vinylmax
- Independently tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)
- Meet the strict performance criteria established by the US Dept of Energy (DOE)
For the Ultimate in Energy Performance, look for Vinylmax products that have been recognized as the Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR 2017.
Window and Door performance criteria vary by Climate Zone, as some windows should excel at keeping a home warm, while others should keep a home cool.
Anatomy of an Energy Efficient Window
- Quality Frame Materials – low-maintenance frame materials, like vinyl, reduce heat transfer and help insulate better.
- Multiple Panes – two or even three panes of glass with a gas filled airspace are energy-efficient, resist imact damage and provide sound insulation
- Low E Glass – like IntelliGlass, reflects heat and keep heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer. UV is also reflected, protecting furnishings from fading.
- Gas Fill – argon, krypton or blended gases insulate better than regular air.
- Warm Edge Spacers – like Intercept, keeps a window’s glass panes the correct distance apart. Warm Edge Spacers insulate pane edges, reducing heat transfer through the window.