Energy Star has long been known as the leading certification for energy-efficient products. That’s why, when it comes to windows, being Energy Star certified is a must. Energy Star windows are designed to be highly energy-efficient and can help reduce energy costs on your energy bills. But what are the requirements for Energy Star windows?
There are two sets of requirements for Energy Star windows. One set of requirements is for Northern homeowners while the other set of requirements is for those in the Southern states. The requirements are based on the amount of energy that is needed to heat your home during the winter and cool your home in the summer. The requirements for Southern states are different as they experience more heat than the Northern states. Let’s take a look at both of these requirements in detail.
Northern energy star window requirements:
In the Northern states, homes typically need more energy to stay warm during the winter months. Therefore, Energy Star windows in Northern states need to have a high R-value. The R-value is the measure of resistance heat flow through the materials. The minimum R-value requirement for Energy Star windows in the Northern states is 3. There are also U-factor requirements set for Northern states. The U-factor measures heat transfer through windows. The maximum U-factor requirements are set at 0.30 for windows and 0.27 for skylights.
Southern energy star window requirements:
In the Southern states, homes face more heat than the Northern states. Therefore, Energy Star windows in the Southern states need to have a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). SHGC is the amount of heat that comes into your home through your windows. In the heat of summer, the SHGC can make it difficult to keep your home cool. Therefore, the maximum SHGC for Energy Star windows in the Southern states is 0.25. There are also U-factor requirements set for the Southern states. The maximum U-factor requirements are set at 0.40 for windows and 0.55 for skylights.
In addition to these requirements, Energy Star windows must also meet certain air leakage requirements. Air leakage is the amount of air that enters or escapes through the window system. To earn the Energy Star certification, windows must meet the maximum air leakage requirements set at less than or equal to 0.30 cubic feet per minute per square foot of window area.
In conclusion, if you are looking for energy-efficient windows, look for the Energy Star certification. Energy Star windows are designed to be highly energy-efficient and can help reduce energy costs on your energy bills. The requirements for Energy Star windows differ for Northern and Southern states but each set of requirements is designed to help maximize energy efficiency in your home. When shopping for Energy Star windows, be sure to check the label to ensure that the window meets all the required criteria for your region.
