What is the ENERGY STAR Progam?

ENERGY STAR is an independent U.S. Government program establishing a standard set of guidelines to recognize the energy efficiency of various products. In the home building and remodeling industry, ENERGY STAR guidelines are used in conjunction with a variety of building materials, including windows and patio doors.
 
Studies have shown that over 40% of a typical home's annual energy budget is consumed by windows and doors. ENERGY STAR labeled windows and doors are twice as efficient as those manufactured just ten years ago, and they are 40% more efficient than products manufactured using common building code guidelines.*

What Window And Door Features Are Recognized By ENERGY STAR?

For windows and doors, ENERGY STAR guidelines assess the U-factor and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).

• The U-factor is commonly described as the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the U-factor, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality.
• The SHGC refers to the amount of heat from the sun that windows and doors allow into the home. The lower the number, the greater the ability to reduce the amount of heat absorbed into the home.

Are ENERGY STAR Guidelines The Same Across The Country?
 
Because the United States covers such a large area, ENERGY STAR guidelines have been tailored to meet specific climate considerations in four regions of the country. This four-zone ENERGY STAR system has increased its requirements to obtain improved energy performance in many parts of the country.

What Factors Can Affect An ENERGY STAR Qualification?

Several product features can improve a window or door's ability to meet ENERGY STAR guidelines. Features such as low emissivity glass, the size of the air space inside the insulating glass unit and the type of frame and sash material are just a few product attributes that can alter how well a window or door meets the established ENERGY STAR guidelines in a specific area of the country.

Simonton products are designed and can be tailored for maximum efficiency in all climates.

Regional Guidelines.

To be labeled as an ENERGY STAR product, the U-factor and SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) ratings must be less than or equal to those established by ENERGY STAR.

U-FACTOR SHGC
North .35 None Central .40 .55 South .75 .40

Learn more about the ENERGY STAR Program at their website.

*Source: ENERGY STAR Buyers Guide to Energy Efficient Windows, Doors and Skylights