Choosing the right energy star for your home
Consult the Canada’s ENERGY STAR® map divided in climate zones in order to know which one you are in.
The ENERGY STAR® products that will suit your zones will be indicated on your windows and doors. Your retailer will be able to give you more information. Choose a model that suits the climate zone where you live or a superior zone.
ENERGY STAR® windows and doors will allow you savings that could reach 12%. There are many more advantages in the quality of these products: better comfort, less noises coming from the outside and less condensation than the traditional models.
Understanding Performance energy Rate (ER) and U-Value
U-value measures the transfer rate or the thermal conductance of a product. The lower this value is, the more isolating value of the product is.
The energy performance rating assesses a window based on 3 aspects: the solar heat gain contribution, heat loss by the frame, the glazing or the spare and the heat loss by air leakage, no matter the material and the assembly method. Also, the higher the ER value of a product is, the better its energy performance.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
This is the fraction of incident solar radiation that is admitted through the window. This can be either directly transmitted and absorbed or radiated inward.
U-Value
This is the rating that is given to a window based on how much heat loss it allows.