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The Mark of Energy Efficient Windows
The Energy Star for Windows campaign
is a national program sponsored by
The E.P.A. and the U.S. Department
of Energy. Established to promote
energy efficient products across all
consumer industries, the Energy Star
for Windows program highlights windows
based on their thermal efficiency.
To qualify as an Energy Star compliant
window, the product must meet certain
U-factor and Shading Heat Gain Coefficient
criteria. Because the United States
has distinct geographic temperature
differences, Energy Star requirements
vary depending on the specific region's
"Climate Zone."
For Windows and Doors, the Energy
Star program has three Climate Zones:
Northern, Central and Southern. In
order to be labeled and marketed as
Energy Star windows, compliant products
must meet the thermal performance
requirements listed below. Low-E Glass
with Argon gas provides an Energy
Star compliant window in all three
regions.
|
Region
|
U-Factor
|
Shading Heat Gain Coefficient
|
| Northern
Region |
.35
or below |
N/C |
| Central
Region |
.40
or below |
.55
or below |
| Southern
Region |
.75
or below |
.40
or below |
All participating manufacturers of windows
and doors must label each Energy Star
compliant product in conjunction with
the National Fenestration Ratings Council
(NFRC) with the Energy Star logo and
the NFRC thermal test data for the specific
product. ONLY Energy Star compliant
products may be labeled with the Energy
Star logo; however, all products produced
by the manufacturer must be labeled
with each product's thermal performance
information.
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