Now that the spring is quickly approaching, many people are thinking about improving their homes with renovations and installing new windows and doors. It’s the ideal time of year to tackle renovation projects because the weather is usually dependable (finally, you can put those snow shovels away). If you start now, you’ll be able to enjoy your updated home just in time for summer.
There are a few things to consider when you start the renovation process. You have to think about the type of material you’ll want to use, the look of your new windows and doors, the budget, and the energy efficiency of the products you choose. Energy-efficient windows and doors will help you to save money on utility bills because they preserve heat from escaping and leaving your home.
We’re Casa Bella Windows & Doors. We provide energy-efficient door and window replacement in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We’re Canadian owned and have been in business for 60 years. Initially, a small, family-run business working out of Pickering, Ontario, we now operate out of a 300, 000 sq. ft. facility located in Mississauga, Ontario.
If there’s one thing we know how to do well, it’s window and door renovations, and it’s our pleasure to serve the GTA with energy-efficient products that make a difference to homeowners as well as the environment as a whole. All of our products are Energy Star® rated, which means they have met strict energy guidelines set by the government.
Let’s take a look at what makes our Energy Star® rated products unique and why it’s important to implement energy efficiency into your renovation plans.
What are the Guidelines for Energy Star® Rated Products?
The Energy Star program started in 1992 as a voluntary means to reduce unnecessary energy consumption without the government issuing laws to enforce it. Since then, many manufacturers have stepped up to enhance products and meet these high-efficiency standards.
You’ll save money on utility bills when you use Casa Bella’s Mississauga and Richmond Hill replacement windows and doors because they meet quality standards for efficiencies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy. Your home will remain comfortable all year long with products that help reduce heat loss and drafts in the winter months and heat gain during the summer.
This past January, Energy Star® updated its guidelines for all products, including windows and doors. This update is to ensure the safety, comfort, and financial stability of consumers and the overall environmental impact of Energy Star® rated products. All specifications for windows, doors, and skylights are regulated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and all manufacturers must sign a Fenestration Administrative Arrangement with NRCan. Products that qualify must be tested by a third-party organization that’s accredited by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) or the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and maintain a set of energy-efficient factors.
Updated Factors and Qualifications
Energy Star certified residential windows, doors, and skylights must meet a specific U-value (the rate of heat loss through a window), Energy Rating (ER), and airtight efficiency specifications as of January 1, 2020.
Window U-factor
The window U-factor is a term to describe the rate of heat loss through a window. A lower U-factor is ideal, as that means the product is better at mitigating heat loss. The updates require that residential windows and doors meet a U-factor of 1.22 (or 0.21).
Energy Rating
The ER refers to a formula that balances air leakage, heat loss, and potential passive solar gain. As of January 2020, the minimum ER required by Energy Star for residential windows and doors is 34.
At Casa Bella Windows & Doors, you can count on us for the highest quality products and most current Energy Star ratings and qualifications. We make your window replacement in Brampton and the GTA our biggest priority. We want you to be comfortable, safe, and happy. With these products, you’ll be able to enjoy your home at an ideal climate all year long. And, you won’t have to break the bank with leaky windows or poorly installed doors.
