Natural Resources Canada – What to look for when replacing windows

Why should I buy ENERGY STAR® qualified windows, doors, or skylights?

Windows, doors and skylights – collectively known as fenestration products – are a major source of heat loss in Canadian homes. Fenestration products that qualify for the ENERGY STAR® mark have been independently
tested and certified to be among the most energy-efficient on the market, so installing them in your home will reduce your energy consumption and save you money. But there’s more: energy-efficient windows will also increase your comfort, cut down noise levels from outside the home, have less condensation in cold weather than standard products, and allow fewer ultraviolet rays to pass through glazed areas, thus better protecting your valuables from sun damage. Last but certainly not least, by reducing your home’s energy consumption, ENERGY STAR® qualified windows, doors and skylights also reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are contributing to climate change.

Why should I be concerned about climate change?

Climate change is a serious environmental problem that could have significant consequences for our health, our economy and our children’s future. All Canadians contribute to the problem, and we all need to be part of the solution. Making smart energy choices around the home – including installing ENERGY STAR® qualified fenestration products – is a great way to start.

How much money can I expect to save by installing ENERGY STAR qualified fenestration products?

Homeowners who replace all of their old windows and doors with ENERGY STAR® qualified products will typically save about 7 percent on their energy bills, depending on the number of windows and doors replaced, how old they are, and how much air leakage was occurring. Buyers of new homes with ENERGY STAR® qualified fenestration products can save up to 12 percent on their energy bills compared to standard products (the savings tend to be greater for new homes because they are typically larger and have more windows and doors than older homes).

The truth is, new windows result in only a 7 to 12% savings on our energy bill. There have been law suits over companies that have made significantly higher promises. Read all about it at: http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Energy-Efficient-Replacement-Window-Lawsuit
Replacing your windows is about something far more important than a 7 to 12% savings.
it’s about your family’s comfort!

How will I know if I need new windows, doors or skylights?

Unusually high energy bills, uncomfortable drafts around doors and windows, and frost on your windows on cold winter days are among the clues that fenestration products may be in need of repair or replacement.

This is where your family’s comfort comes into the picture! And, not just comfort but their health! These situations can be a breeding ground for molds that can impact your family’s well-being. Your local, authorized VWD dealer knows what to look for to determine the best way to resolve any issues you have with your windows.

Choosing the right zone may be another zone!

Many window, doors and skylights qualify for more than one zone in Canada. The more zones a product qualifies for, the more energy efficient it is. So you can save even more on your energy costs by purchasing a product that is qualified for a zone that is colder than where you live.
If you live in a location that is significantly higher in elevation than the surrounding area, get a product rated for a zone at least one level colder than indicated on the map. This applies especially to areas in southern and central British Columbia, where energy efficiency levels have been determined for major urban centres that are normally located in valleys.

An HDD is the annual sum of the degrees of the average daily temperature for all days below 18°C.
This accumulated sum is averaged over a 30-year period to provide a good indication of the average temperature in a given location. The higher the average HDD value, the colder a location and the longer the heating season.

How does a window, door or skylight qualify for ENERGY STAR®?

To qualify for the ENERGY STAR® mark, fenestration products must meet strict technical requirements for both thermal and structural performance. Products are qualified based on either their U-value (rate of heat transfer from a warm area to a cold area) or their Energy Rating (a scale that takes into account a product’s U-value, potential solar gain and airtightness). The colder the climate zone, the more stringent the requirements. Windows, doors and skylights must also have good airtightness to qualify for ENERGY STAR®. To ensure the integrity of the ENERGY STAR® mark, all product testing is done by accredited laboratories under standardized, quality-controlled conditions.

What if I find a fenestration product with an ENERGY STAR® label that does not show information for the Canadian climate zones?

This may be a product that qualifies for ENERGY STAR® in the United States but not necessarily in Canada.
Remember, specific ENERGY STAR® criteria have been developed for Canada’s climate, which tends to be colder in winter than most parts of the U.S. A fenestration product that does not show the Canadian climate zones may not qualify for ENERGY STAR® where you live.

What if I can’t find an ENERGY STAR® qualified fenestration product?

Look for products that have the features of a typical ENERGY STAR® qualified fenestration product. For windows, patio doors and skylights, look for products that have double- or triple-glazing in a sealed unit; low-E coatings; an inert gas fill; low-conductivity spacers; insulated frames and sashes; and a high Energy Rating or low U-value.

How should I handle installation?

Installation of windows, doors and skylights is best left to a professional. A poorly installed fenestration product may not operate properly and could cause cold drafts, even if the product itself is energy efficient. Poor installation may also allow water to leak into the wall cavity, leading to costly damage. Most manufacturers offer installation services or can recommend a properly trained installer. A good way to ensure a quality installation is to find an installer who has been certified by the Window Wise program, which conducts comprehensive training seminars for installers.

Have a knowledgeable professional install windows, doors and skylights according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A poorly installed product may not operate properly and could cause cold drafts even though the product itself is energy efficient. Poor installation may also allow water to leak into the home, leading to costly damage.
Here are some installation criteria:

1. The installation should provide an airtight, insulated seal.
2. After installation, the window or door should retain its original shape and should be level and vertical.
3. Windows may be installed at an angle (e.g., in an attic) only if they are designed to do so.
4. The window or door should not support any load other than its own weight unless it is designed to do so.
5. Any exterior finishing, such as flashing, should prevent water penetration.

Have a knowledgeable professional install windows, doors and skylights according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A poorly installed product may not operate properly and could cause cold drafts even though the product itself is energy efficient. Poor installation may also allow water to leak into the home, leading to costly damage.

When replacing an existing window or door, there are two types of installation: retrofit and “complete tear-out.” A retrofit involves installing a new window or door into the frame of the window or door that is being replaced. However, a retrofit should be done only if the existing frame has not deteriorated and is properly sealed and insulated. A retrofit is usually less expensive and minimizes the disturbance to the surrounding wall and trim. It also narrows a door opening and reduces the glass area of a window by about 10 percent.

Choosing an energy-efficient product is a good start, but you can optimize your choice by selecting windows and exposed glazed doors with properties that more precisely meet your needs.

Homes that have a southern and/or eastern exposure not obstructed by another home or building can take advantage of the passive solar energy from the sun by choosing glazings that have a high or moderate solar gain.

On the north side of the home, choose window and door models that have the lowest overall U-factor that you can afford. Models with a lower U-factor normally have glazing with a low or moderate solar gain and are very resistant to heat loss.

You may also want low solar gain glazing on the west side if the windows are not properly shaded during the summertime. You should know that rooms with a higher than average amount of glass area on the west or south sides may experience too much solar gain at certain times of the year. To reduce unwanted solar gain, choose windows with moderate to low solar gain.

Where can I get more information on energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights?

More information is available in the OEE’s publication on energy-efficient fenestration products or fact sheet about ENERGY STAR® qualified windows, doors and skylights. As well, “Sill to Sash,” a consumer video guide to buying energy efficient windows and doors, is available on the Web site of the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association.

Bonus question! What us the best air space between panes of glass to reduce heat loss from convection (Air movement in the spaces between the glass) and conduction (the natural transfer of heat from warm to cold)?

If the space is too large, convection becomes easier and heat loss increases. if the space is to small,
conduction increases, causing heat loss. In a sealed unit, ½” to 5/8” is the ideal space for minimizing heat loss in a balance between conduction and convection.

Bonus question! What gas does Natural Resources Canada recommend to further reduce heat loss?

The inside of the IG unit is filled with an odorless, colorless, harmless inert gas, such as argon or krypton, to reduce heat transfer through the glass. For maximum efficiency, argon is normally put into double-glazed units and krypton is put into triple or quad-glazed units.

Bonus question! What spacers do Natural Resources Canada recommend to further reduce heat loss?

Traditional aluminum-box spacer bars in IG units contribute to heat loss and condensation problems. Spacer bars designed with thermal breaks that use materials such as foam, plastic or glass or that are made with other types of metal, such as stainless steel will reduce heat loss.
Our stainless spacer meets or exceeds everything Natural Resources Canada wants in a spacer, however, Stainless spacers have many other advantages that improve the durability of your window!

Weatherstripping and hardware

Weatherstripping is used to create a seal between the frame and door or window sash to block rain and dust and to minimize air leakage. There are three basic types of seals: compression, brush and sweep. A fourth type, called a magnetic seal, may be found on some door systems.
Compression and magnetic seals provide superior airtightness. Casement, awning, hopper and tiltturn- style windows, most operable skylights and swinging doors have compression seals to provide the primary air barrier. Sliding and hung windows have brush seals.

Hinged Windows are tighter!

Among operable products, hinged windows (casement, awning, hopper, tilt, turn) are generally more airtight than sliding-style windows because the closing mechanism pulls them tight against the frame.