Be sure the windows and installer are ENERGY STAR compliant. Ask for certification before sale approval, not the salesman's assurance
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=t ... s.tx_index
ENERGY STAR COMPLIANCY
- Windows on Washington
- Posts: 5338
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- Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC
Re: ENERGY STAR COMPLIANCY
I agree. Point is moot as of 2014 in terms of tax credit reimbursements.
- HomeSealed
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Re: ENERGY STAR COMPLIANCY
I'd add that an even deeper look into the performance ratings would be advisable.
1) Energy Star really sets a bare minimum for performance. The better products exceed those minimums by a fair margin (IE: double hung units with basic low-e and argon glass packages are as low as .25-.26 u factor compared to the .30 minimum)
2) Structural ratings are not really addressed by ES, particularly air leakage. Given that most folks have "draftiness" or air leakage as a primary reason for replacing their windows, this rating is of paramount importance when choosing a new product. The top products on the market are rated as low as .01 cfm in double hung configuration. 3000% better than the .30cfm baseline, which is poor.
1) Energy Star really sets a bare minimum for performance. The better products exceed those minimums by a fair margin (IE: double hung units with basic low-e and argon glass packages are as low as .25-.26 u factor compared to the .30 minimum)
2) Structural ratings are not really addressed by ES, particularly air leakage. Given that most folks have "draftiness" or air leakage as a primary reason for replacing their windows, this rating is of paramount importance when choosing a new product. The top products on the market are rated as low as .01 cfm in double hung configuration. 3000% better than the .30cfm baseline, which is poor.
- Windows on Washington
- Posts: 5338
- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:23 am
- Location: DC Metropolitan Area-Maryland/Virginia/DC
Re: ENERGY STAR COMPLIANCY
Big +1 to HomeSealed comments.
You have to dig deeper than the Federal minimums.
Even on air infiltration, they will only round to the 0.1 number.
You have to dig deeper than the Federal minimums.
Even on air infiltration, they will only round to the 0.1 number.