ENERGY STAR® Windows

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2005 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 23 million cars — all while saving $12 billion on their utility bills.

HOWEVER, recently there has been a bit of turmoil around the heavy use of the Energy Star Labeling System. It turns out that most windows as long as they are double glass earn the Energy Star Label. This was not the intent back in 1996 when labeling was started on replacement windows. It was though that only 50 to 60 percent of replacement window would qualify, instead almost every windows qualifies. Even thou the IRS is still allowing a $1,500.00 tax credit on all .30-.30 Energy Star windows (as of 2010) the Department of Energy has dis-allowed these windows from its R-5 Volume Window Program. The R-5 Window Program only allows windows with the highest R ratings or better said the Lowest U Values. U.22 for operating windows and .20 U value for fixed windows (dead lites, picture windows) This program is designed to get higher energy saving windows mass marketed with the hopes of reducing there cost and getting more manufacturers to make them. These windows are all Triple Glazed windows and some Heat Mirror windows also qualify. According to the Dept. of Energy even thou they recognize that some manufacturer's have been making these high energy efficient windows for more then 20 years there is just not enough of them which has also made these window more expensive. It is the hope of the Department of Energy this R-5 Volume Window Program will help to make these high energy efficient windows "common place" in North America. No matter what climate you are located in an R-5 window will out perform most Energy Star Labeled Windows. An R.5 window verses an R.3 window is 300% better insulating, this is a substantial saving and one we must all use if America is going to meet the standards set for 2020.

A SPECIAL THANKS TOO:

This web site would like to extend a Special Thanks to all the brave owners of retail window companies across America that have had the courage to sell and install these highly energy efficient windows for more then two decades. These men and women have paved the way in a direction America should have always been on and now that we as a country with the support of the Department of Energy should never be forgotten as more new companies begin selling R-5 or better windows.  Along with the also brave and confident manufacturer's that spent their money on the expensive machinery with the hopes that through hard work, outstanding marketing, new technologies, excellent installation this adventure would prevail, and it has.  We like to say these retail window companies were "Green long before it was popular". Marc LaFrance with the DOE is also owed a special thanks for spearheading this R-5 Volume Window Program which with good public awareness campaigns will change the window landscape forever and for better. The day of the cheap hollow vinyl double glass window is over.

www.r5windowprogram.com/r5window_index.html

More Energy Star Links

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/prod_development/archives/downloads/windows_doors/WindowsDoorsSkylightsProgRequirements7Apr09.pdf

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_windows

Benefits of ENERGY STAR Qualified Windows, Doors, and Skylights

Save money — and more.

Protect your valuables.

Save Money — and More. Choose ENERGY STAR Qualified Products.

Installing ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights shrinks energy bills — and carbon footprints — by about 7-24 percent compared to non-qualified products.

Your estimated savings will vary depending on current heating and cooling costs in your region.

We have provided our users with a list of some of the energy star compliant window companies in the United States.