Energy Efficient Windows & Doors
Your Go-To Option for Energy Efficiency
No matter what your local weather conditions are, what building regulations you need to adhere to, or what your home design is, you can rely on DEMED to supply you with the products and options you need to conserve energy and improve efficiency in your home.
Our windows and doors have always provided a variety of materials, styles, and options to accommodate different climate conditions and code requirements. For more information, please contact your dealer or builder.
Energy Efficiency Basics
What is the key thing to know about windows and energy efficiency?
Replacing your old windows with more energy-efficient ones can not only help reduce your energy bills, but also increase the comfort of your home. By choosing the right windows and doors, you can better manage how much heat comes in and goes out of your home.
How can I know if a window or door is energy-efficient?
Certification programs like those run by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and ENERGY STAR provide ratings that indicate the efficiency of a window or door. Various performance ratings, including U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, determine how well a product insulates and blocks heat from the sun, among other things. For more information, you can refer to the Glossary of Terms.
Terms You Need to Know
Here are some common terms used across different products and manufacturers to describe the energy efficiency of windows and doors.
Insulating Glass (IG)
This term refers to two or more sheets of glass separated by energy-efficient inert gas or air to reduce heat transfer.
Low E
Low E, short for low emissivity, is a term used for ultra-thin, transparent layers of metal or metallic oxide that are applied to a glass surface. These layers help decrease heat transfer by controlling radiative heat flow and reflecting heat from the inside back into the room. There are different Low E coating choices available to manage heat gain based on different climate needs.
U-Factor
Simply put, the U-factor indicates how effectively a window keeps heat inside the house. It measures the total heat transfer from inside the room to the outside through the window or door. The lower the U-factor value, the better the insulation. This factor is particularly important in areas with cold winters.
Gas Fills
Mixtures of argon or krypton gases are used to slow down the transfer of hot and cold air within the gaps of insulated glass, thereby enhancing its ability to retain heat.
Visible Light Transmission
Visible light transmission refers to the amount of visible light that a window allows to pass through. Coatings known as Low E can prevent the window from absorbing solar heat without significantly blocking the light that passes through the glass. When checking the ratings, keep in mind that a higher number means more light is allowed in.
Solar Heat Absorption
If the U-factor represents the amount of heat that escapes your home, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) indicates how much heat from the sun your home absorbs. The main thing to remember is: a lower number means the window allows less heat in.
Can you help me understand the numbers better? What's a good U-factor? What's a good SHGC?
Different homeowners have different preferences for efficiency, but a "good" U-factor is below .30. In colder Northern Zones, having a U-factor even lower than .30 can help improve energy efficiency and home comfort. A "good" Solar Heat Gain rating, which ranges from 0 to 1, depends on the climate of the region. Lower SHGC values are ideal for sunny southern climates, while higher SHGC values may be better for areas with cold winters.
What are Low E Coatings?
Low E coatings are thin layers of special metallic material applied to glass used in windows and doors to enhance energy efficiency. These coatings control the amount of light and heat that either passes through the glass or is reflected away from it. By managing emissivity, Low E coatings improve the overall performance of windows by regulating heat transfer.
What are the benefits of choosing triple pane windows?
Triple pane windows are a great choice for improving energy efficiency in your home. They are designed to have a lower U-factor compared to double pane windows, meaning they can better insulate your home. Triple pane windows come in various configurations with low-emissivity coatings, as well as the option for either argon gas or air fills for high altitude areas. In cold climates, the warmer interior surface of triple pane glass can enhance comfort by reducing airflow. However, regardless of the number of panes, a poorly constructed or installed window that allows air leakage will still result in inefficiency.
High Performance
Achieving Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency in windows and doors can be improved through different technologies like Low E coatings, frame materials, glazing types, spacers, gas fill, and weather stripping. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) provides energy ratings for windows and doors, which you can check in their database for any product.
What else should you consider for a super energy-efficient home?
It's now easier than ever to make your home energy efficient. Sustainable building methods such as Passive building, LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and Net Zero building can help reduce environmental impact and maximize energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR also has a "Most Efficient" list that highlights products with cutting-edge technologies for superior efficiency. Demed offers options to help you achieve your energy efficiency goals. Contact your local dealer or Demed representative for more information.
Is sustainable building the same as high performance building?
Sustainable building involves environmentally responsible and resource-efficient practices throughout a building's entire life cycle, from planning to demolition. On the other hand, high performance building focuses on optimizing various aspects like energy efficiency, durability, performance over time, and occupant well-being, as outlined by the National Institute of Building Sciences.
Can I turn my home into a high performance building?
You can enhance energy efficiency in your home, especially with new construction. One effective method is to design a building that produces as much energy as it uses. Net Zero homes and Zero Net Ready homes are well-planned structures that incorporate alternative energy sources like wind, solar, or geothermal systems. However, you don't necessarily have to build a Net Zero home to significantly boost energy performance in your current home. Whether you're replacing windows in an existing home or planning for new construction, there are many energy-saving window options available.