The Smart Choice: Prioritizing Energy Efficiency in Windows and Doors
When investing in new or replacement windows and doors, energy efficiency emerges as a crucial consideration. A range of energy-efficient features and associated benefits warrant attention during your research, encompassing factors such as cost implications, potential energy savings, enhanced comfort, and contributions to environmental sustainability.
The Imperative of Energy-Efficient Windows
Regardless of whether you are replacing a single window or undertaking a comprehensive upgrade of existing ones, enhancing the energy efficiency of your home’s fenestration offers numerous advantages.
Financial Savings:
Quite simply, ENERGY STAR® certified energy-efficient windows are instrumental in lowering your monthly utility expenditures and elevating your home’s comfort throughout every season. Drafty windows or those lacking proper insulation can significantly inflate your annual energy consumption, leading to higher bills and overtaxed HVAC systems.
Enhanced Comfort:
Equipped with appropriate glass options, energy-efficient windows possess the capacity to reflect heat outwards in warmer months and retain warmth indoors during winter, thereby contributing to a consistently comfortable living environment year-round.
Environmental Stewardship:
Beyond personal comfort and savings, energy-efficient windows also positively impact the environment. They achieve this by diminishing your home’s overall carbon footprint and extending the operational lifespan of its heating and cooling systems. Andersen, for instance, offers products crafted from their proprietary Fibrex® composite material, which is composed of 40% reclaimed wood fiber by weight. Notably, Fibrex material boasts twice the strength of vinyl.
Defining Energy-Efficient Windows
Two primary elements are key when evaluating an energy-efficient window:
Frame Materials:
The choice of material for a window frame is paramount for maximizing energy efficiency. Common types include wood, vinyl, composite (such as Fibrex® material), and fiberglass. The potential savings and costs associated with windows vary depending on the chosen material and its manufacturing process.
Glass:
Naturally, double-pane (dual-pane) glass outperforms single-pane glass in terms of energy efficiency. The sealed space between each pane acts as an additional insulating barrier against both heat and cold. Low-E glass is an optimal choice for energy conservation as it minimizes the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared light, thereby restricting heat transfer.
Verifying a Window’s Energy Efficiency
Begin your assessment by looking for the ENERGY STAR® logo or the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) logo directly on the window or door you intend to purchase or install. Reputable window installers and companies typically highlight products that bear NFRC labels and ENERGY STAR certification, providing immediate assurance of their commitment to energy-efficient offerings.
Deciphering the Certification Label
Always locate the certification label shown below on every window and patio door you consider. These ratings empower you to accurately measure and compare the energy performance of comparable products. If a product lacks this label, its claims of energy performance have not been independently verified by the NFRC.
Each product’s NFRC label is meticulously customized to its precise specifications (including size, glass type, etc.) before being affixed to the finished item. You can view NFRC ratings for Andersen® products directly through their website.
The Mechanism of Energy-Efficient Windows
To attain ENERGY STAR certification for a window or door, a manufacturer must successfully pass an independent performance test developed by the non-profit National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This rigorous test evaluates and rates a window’s energy efficiency based on five crucial metrics:
| Metric | What it Measures | Performance Impact | Measurement Ranges |
| U-factor | How effectively a product prevents heat from escaping | Lower ratings indicate superior insulation | Scale of 0-1 |
| Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) | The product’s capacity to block heat generated by sunlight | Lower ratings signify reduced heat transfer | Scale of 0-1 |
| Visible Transmittance (VT) | The quantity of light allowed through the window | Higher ratings mean more light | Scale of 0-1 |
Do Energy-Efficient Windows Enhance Home Value?
Absolutely! Beyond contributing to reduced energy bills, replacing and upgrading your windows can directly augment the value of your property. While window replacement might not be the most visually dramatic home improvement, its positive effect on your home’s equity is undeniable.
According to 2018 data from Remodeling Magazine, the national average return-on-investment (ROI) for wood window replacement stood at 69.5%. This figure surpasses the average ROI for several other popular mid-range projects, such as a significant kitchen remodel (59%), a bathroom addition (59.9%), or the creation of a backyard patio (47.6%).
69.5% Return on Investment
National average for wood window replacement, as reported by Remodeling Magazine.
Quantifying Energy Savings with Efficient Windows
Per energystar.gov, ENERGY STAR certified windows can lead to an average annual saving of 12% on energy bills. For homes equipped with single-pane windows, the estimated annual savings from upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified windows ranges between $101 and $583. If current windows are double-pane, the estimated savings typically fall between $27 and $197 per year.
It’s important to note that actual savings will fluctuate based on several factors, including local climate conditions, the specific window type (single-pane/double-pane, frame material), prevailing utility rates, and unique characteristics of individual homes.