Created in the 1990s, ENERGY STAR® certification has since become an immensely popular rating system. You’ve no doubt spotted the famous little blue star affixed to an increasing number of products ranging from household appliances to electronic devices, heating and air conditioning systems, and even doors and windows. Its ubiquitous presence might lead a person to assume that ENERGY STAR certification is easy to obtain. But do you know what the ENERGY STAR symbol actually means and what kinds of requirements have to be met to become certified?
ENERGY STAR: Assurance of energy efficiency
ENERGY STAR is the standard across Canada for rating energy efficiency. Easily recognizable in stores, it helps consumers to quickly distinguish the products offering the highest energy efficiency in the market.
It’s important to keep in mind that although the ENERGY STAR logo may be widely used, earning authorization to display it is hardly a simple process. Only products that meet or exceed the energy efficiency standards prescribed under the certification program can be designated ENERGY STAR. To achieve this, products must comply with strict technical specifications for energy efficiency. These standards are established by the federal government in conjunction with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To maintain the reliability of certification, products are also tested by a third-party organization. This means that when you purchase an ENERGY STAR-certified product, you can be confident that you’re buying a superior-quality product that will deliver on its energy-efficiency promises.
Why choose ENERGY STAR-certified doors and windows?
There are many advantages to choosing ENERGY STAR-certified doors and windows. First of all, you can be confident that you’re purchasing a product that is superior to conventional products. Opting for ENERGY STAR doors and windows also means that you’re selecting products that will save you money while also helping to minimize your energy consumption, potentially reducing your heating and air conditioning costs by around 10%. According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), ENERGY STAR-certified windows are about 20% more energy efficient than the average window, while ENERGY STAR-certified doors are about 15% more efficient. It’s important to add that by decreasing your energy consumption, you’re also doing your part for the environment by reducing your greenhouse gas emissions.
Sliding doors and windows: Ranked among the “Most Efficient” products in 2022
Each year, Natural Resources Canada rolls out its list of the “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient” products. The list of products offering the highest energy-efficiency performance for 2022 includes sliding doors and windows. These products deliver remarkable energy performance in that they are 55% more efficient than conventional products. It’s worth noting that some of our sliding windows meet the recognition criteria defined for this prestigious distinction. At Vaillancourt Doors and Windows, offering you high-performance products has always been our #1 priority. That’s why many of our windows display the ENERGY STAR label recognizing the products that offer the best energy performance on the Canadian market.
Our ENERGY STAR-certified windows offer advantages including:
- major energy savings (up to 10% off your heating costs when you replace all your windows)
- reduced outside noise
- ultraviolet ray filtering to limit the exposure of your skin and property to potential sun damage
- greater durability and superior quality.
Entrust the installation of your windows to professionals
Making the decision to replace your outdated windows with ENERGY STAR-certified products is an important step, but to maximize their potential energy efficiency, it’s critical to ensure that they are installed properly. This is because improper installation could leave you with chilly drafts and even result in water infiltration. The long-term consequences could be catastrophic when it comes to energy efficiency as well as product lifespan and your home’s structural integrity. For this reason, we recommend that you arrange to have your windows installed by professionals. Our retailers and representatives can guide you through this process and recommend a reputable installer to replace your doors and windows.
Would you like to learn more about ENERGY STAR certification? Check out these interesting links:
- List of ENERGY STAR-certified windows
- Informative video on the energy efficiency requirements set out in the Quebec Construction Code (part 11, Building chapter) [in French]
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