If you’re a homeowner, you’ve definitely heard the term Energy Star used in connection with energy efficient windows and doors. But what is Energy Star? And how can it help you find the best energy efficient windows and doors for your Phoenix, Arizona home?

Energy Star Basics

Energy Star is a United Stated Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, program that helps home and business owners save money and the environment through energy efficiency programs and innovations.

The majority of these programs and innovations are geared towards windows and doors for both commercial and residential properties so homeowners like you can be more environmentally friendly and save money.

Energy Star tests and rates different window products using patented and trusted systems to find the most energy efficient options depending on climate and needs.

Energy Star Qualified Windows and Doors

The following criteria must be met for a window or door to earn an Energy Star rating:

• Be made by an Energy Star manufacturing partner
• Pass independent testing by the National Fenestration Rating Council, or NFRC and receive certifications and verifications
• Receive NFRC ratings that meet the EPA’s energy efficiency guidelines

While there aren’t specific technology or construction requirements for Energy Star windows and doors, the majority of them have many common properties. Some of these include:

• Quality Materials – Certain window and door frame materials, like vinyl, make more energy efficient windows than others as they offer better insulation and heat and cold transfer rates.
• Low-E Glass – Low-E glass is a type of window and door glass that is coated with a transparent film to reflect infrared light back outside to keep your home cool without over working your air conditioning system. Low-E glass is great for those crazy hot Phoenix afternoons.
• Spacers – Spacers keep dual or triple paned glass panels the proper distance apart for effective insulation and noise reduction. Most Energy Star energy efficient windows and doors have non-metallic spacers for the most efficient insulation rates.

Energy Star Energy Efficient Windows and Doors for Phoenix and the Surrounding Area

One of the best parts of the Energy Star system is that it recognizes that different climates require different technologies and innovations for maximum energy efficiency. Energy Star conveniently breaks down the United States into climate zones to better evaluate and recommend windows.

Phoenix, Arizona is in the Southern Climate Zone. Look for the following ratings when shopping for Phoenix replacement windows and doors:

Windows:

•  A U-factor of 0.40 or less AND an SHGC of 0.25 or less

Doors:

• Opaque doors (no glass) must have a U-factor of 0.17 or less
• 1/2-Lite doors (about 50% glass or less) must have a U-factor of 0.25 or less and an SHGC of 0.25 or less

3/4- or Full-Lite doors (more than 50% glass) must have a U-factor of 0.30 or less and an SHGC of 0.25 or less