Window Replacement Amarillo TX: What Does Energy Star Compliance Mean?

What has five points and lets the world know you’re a consumer who’s both smart and ethical? The Energy Star!

Most people don’t know how the Energy Star came to be or exactly how home products like replacement windows and appliances earn their Energy Star labels.

So, What Does Energy Star-Certified Mean?

Most energy sources pollute, harm the climate, and impact our health. So, we help keep the world cleaner and healthier when we use less energy.

The Energy Star symbol was established in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of a voluntary labeling program to promote energy-efficient products and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Back in those days, the first use of the label was on computers and monitors. By 1995, the program expanded to include office equipment and residential heating and cooling systems. 

After the EPA began a partnership with the Department of Energy, the Energy Star grew to more than 70 product categories, including major appliances, lighting, electronics, and residential and commercial building materials like your home windows.

How Does the EPA Select Energy Star Products?

There’s a lot of testing and consideration required to earn a strong Energy Star rating. 

But the whole point of this very successful system is to provide consumers with an unbiased and easily recognized point of confidence for selecting energy-efficient products.

The brilliance is its simplicity. Behind every Energy Star label is a multitude of resources from the EPA and the Department of Energy to help you research new and better ways to save energy in your home and at work.

How Climate Affects Energy Star Ratings

Naturally, replacement windows designed for hot climates, such as here in Amarillo, Texas, need different qualities than those used in Minnesota or North Dakota. 

For instance, you don’t want your double-hung replacement window trapping heat if you live in a warm area. 

And you wouldn’t want a sliding glass patio door that lets cool air into your home during the winter months up north.

Therefore, the experts at Energy Star divided the U.S. into four zones: Northern, North-Central, South-Central, and Southern.

These zones are based on variables such as climate and temperature fluctuations, humidity, and rain.

It’s wise when buying Energy Star-rated exterior home products like replacement windows to check that they are rated for your climate zone.

Window Replacement Amarillo TX: Energy Star Window Ratings

The Energy Star label uses thermal test results from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) to help consumers compare window performance through various ratings. 

This is based on the U-Factor, which measures the rate of heat transfer (how much heat is lost or gained through your replacement window), solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), air leakage, visible transmittance, and condensation resistance.

According to Energy Star, the U-Value of a window can range from .25 to 1.25. The lower the U-Value, the more energy-efficient your replacement window is. 

If your home’s windows face the sun, installing replacement windows with a lower U-Value is even more important.

What Does Energy Star-Certified Mean for You and Your Home?

The Energy Star certification makes life easier when you want to buy something for your home. 

When it comes to interior and exterior home remodeling, Energy Star doors and windows assure you of five things: 

You’ll see lower energy bills. You’ll save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

You and your home will also be more comfortable with fewer drafts and more consistent temperatures. Your home will be protected from UV damage to floors and furnishings thanks to low-emissivity coatings.

Lastly, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your doors and windows are certified and verified to perform as labeled.

Call Us Today!

If you're needing quality, energy efficient replacement windows in Amarillo, Texas or it’s surrounding areas, call Paradise Builders today for your FREE QUOTE.

We offer affordable vinyl replacement windows that meet all Energy Star requirements and are structurally reinforced, promising long-term performance. We also provide replacement siding, patio cover installation, carport cover installation, gutter installation and roof repair. Check out our Gallery to see pictures of work we've completed for our satifisfied customers.

Our vinyl replacement windows are virtually maintenance-free, meaning you’ll never have to sand, paint, stain or refinish them. They’re also available in a variety of interior colors to match the style of your home.

Unlike many of our competitors, we don't shock our customers with a higher price and then give them a better price later. We give you our best price upfront and have an amazing service to match!

You can also fill out our FREE QUOTE Form and we'll get back to you very soon!