Your guide to ENERGY STAR®7.0
As of Oct. 23, 2023, the ENERGY STAR program for windows and doors has changed, requiring more stringent energy-saving performance to meet certification.
Our Mezzo windows and Promenade sliding patio doors offer CLIMATECH® PriME packages to meet ENERGY STAR 7.0 certification in all climate zones. Products that achieve ENERGY STAR Most Efficient may also qualify for federal tax credits.
Who is the NFRC, and what does the label mean?
The NFRC guarantees the claim to Energy Star replacement windows, so you will receive the best Low-E that is optimized for the Pikes Peak region.
Our windows are built to resist the heat and cold, offering four-season comfort.
This not only keeps you comfortable but also saves you money through energy savings.
Need proof? We meet or exceed the current standards for ENERGY STAR® Version 7.0 requirements in all 50 states and can exceed requirements for the Northern Zone by up to 48% with select window packages. Below are four common ratings that are provided for windows certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).
- U-Factor – A measure of the rate of heat flow through a window. A lower U-Factor indicates a higher-performing window that can help reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Visible Light Transmittance (VT) – Ranging from 0 – 1, visible transmittance is a measure of how much light passes through the window. The higher the number, the more light can pass through.
- Condensation Rating (CR) – CR measures how well a window resists the formation of condensation on the inside surface. CR is expressed as a number between 1 – 100. The higher the number, the better a product can resist condensation.
Window efficiency is further improved by using Argon gas to fill the space between the panes.
Window efficiency is further improved by using Argon gas to fill the space between the panes.
Description automatically generatedArgon gas is denser than air and, therefore, provides more thermal efficiency than having air between the panes. The Argon gas acts as an insulator, working in both summer and winter to protect your home from outside temperatures.
Argon gas also helps prevent frost from forming at the bottom of a window and improves the sound barrier capability of a window, thus lowering the noise in your home from outside sources. Argon gas is odorless and non-toxic.
Will I get a return on investment by installing CLIMATECH PriME replacement windows?
Did you know a gap in your window frames as small as 1/16 of an inch lets in as much cold air as leaving the window open three inches?
If you have old, leaky, or single-pane windows with wood or aluminum frames, then you are going to enjoy an immediate and significant reduction in utility bills. We often see savings of 30% or more.
You should also consider the increased value of your Colorado Springs home that will occur when you install new CLIMATECH PriME replacement windows. Your home will be worth more and gain curb appeal after you upgrade your windows.
Harmful UV rays can cause more damage to your home than you might think. For example, these rays can fade furniture and flooring inside your home. Our UV-resistant windows can act as a sunscreen for your home, blocking damaging ultraviolet rays without noticeably reducing the light coming inside. The triple Low-E coating options on our windows will increase window performance and significantly reduce fading and sun damage to your furnishings, carpets, and floor, so they stay colorful and beautiful. All of these energy-saving features will save you money and extend the life of your home!
Will installing high-efficiency replacement windows in Colorado Springs save on energy costs?
Yes! in all cases, installing energy-efficient replacement windows does reduce energy costs.
If you have old, drafty, inefficient windows and doors in your home, you are guaranteed to see your heating and cooling costs decrease by 25% immediately.
If you currently have builder-grade windows and doors in your home, installing our high-performance windows will have immediate benefits. When properly selected and installed, energy-efficient windows will pay for themselves through lower heating and cooling bills. Your furnace and air conditioner will work less to maintain the temperature in your home—this more efficient operation also extends the lifespan of both units.
What makes a window energy-efficient?
You will achieve energy-efficiency through a combination of standard features to our high-quality vinyl windows.
- Foam-filled frames with upgrade
- Low/E coatings
- Argon gas
- Warm edge technology
- Custom manufacturing of your windows to your openings
- Multi-chambered premium vinyl frames
- Fusion-welded vinyl sash and main frames
- Triple-insulated pane