Windows and doors are a big investment. For homeowners, it’s important to be diligent in your selection. Today, it’s very important to choose energy efficient products. They will not only help to lower your overall energy usage in your home, they will save you money on your energy bill now and for the foreseeable future. In this blog we will discuss the upcoming changes to the ENERGY STAR program in Canada and how it will affect the manufacturing of windows and doors in 2023 and beyond.
The ENERGY STAR Program Is The Industry Standard For Windows And Doors
In Canada, when it comes to energy efficient windows and doors, there is no better than ENERGY STAR. These products have been rigorously tested and certified. They are the best energy efficient performers in the industry. Natural Resources Canada estimates ENERGY STAR windows can save you an average of 8% on your energy bill.
Since 2001, Natural Resources Canada has administered the use of the ENERGY STAR name in Canada in an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Government of Canada Announces A New Standard For The ENERGY STAR Program
The ENERGY STAR Program in Canada is about to change. In April 2023 the Government of Canada announced there will be a new standard for the ENERGY STAR program. This included new energy efficient standards for manufacturers and installers of windows and doors.
As an installer and manufacturer of windows and doors, EcoTech is already taking steps to manufacturer our energy efficient windows to meet these new industry standards.
When Will The New ENERGY STAR Program Standards Take Effect?
The new standards will officially come into effect on January 1st, 2023. EcoTech has already started to prepare for these new standards to ensure all our windows and doors meet these new program standards in 2023 and beyond.
The New Standard
Energy efficiency standards change periodically. Experts rate product efficiency based on manufacturing techniques, technology, and other factors. For ENERGY STAR certification, all newly manufactured windows and doors must meet performance metrics. These standards apply to all products to ensure they meet energy efficiency requirements and satisfy environmentally-conscious consumers.
- U-Factor: The rate of heat loss of a window or door. The lower the U-Factor the better insulating properties.
- Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): This is the ratio of solar heat gain entering your home through windows and doors to the incident solar radiation.
- Air leakage: The amount of air flow that passes through window and door products.
- Energy rating (ER): This is a formula that balances U-Factor, air leakage loss, and potential passive solar gain. The simple ER equation is as follows – ER = (57.76 × SHGCw) – (21.90 × Uw) – (1.97 × L75) + 40
This new standard from Natural Resources Canada affected how the U-Factor and ER are set for windows and doors.
As of January 1, 2023, residential windows and doors must, at a minimum, meet the follow thresholds to be labelled as an ENERGY STAR PRODUCT:
- U-Factor: 1.22 Kelvin or 0.21 Fahrenheit
- ER: Window or door products should meet or exceed a rating of 34
This chart from Natural Resources Canada summarizes the new energy efficiency requirements:
At EcoTech, we understand that all these numbers, formulas and standards can be complicated to understand. But, don’t worry, we have you covered. Our windows and doors experts will happily explain the new energy efficient standards and help you choose the right windows and doors for your home – all of which will meet or exceed these new energy efficiency regulations.
Learn more about the ENERGY STAR Canada Technical Specifications for windows and doors sold in Canada.
Get ENERGY STAR Windows and Doors At EcoTech
All EcoTech Windows and Doors meet quality standards for the ENERGY STAR designation for their U-value, Energy Rating and air-tight efficiency. We will continue to meet these high standards as they change in 2023.
Get A Quote For Energy Efficient Windows And Doors
Get more information about the benefits of energy efficient windows and doors. Call us at 1-888-837-6569 for a free in-home estimate. Our team of windows and doors experts are happy to speak with you about our energy efficient windows and doors, provide you with a free quote and discuss your options.
Read More About Energy Efficient Windows
Why The “ENERGY STAR” Label Is Important
The 3 Main Features That Make A Window “Energy Efficient”
3 Advancements In Window Technology You Don’t Have In Your Older Windows
