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What is Air Leakage (AL)?
Air leakage (AL) is becoming an increasingly important factor when selecting energy-efficient windows and doors, especially for homeowners in cold climates like Ottawa. With rising energy costs and a focus on energy efficiency, understanding AL can help you choose products that reduce drafts and maintain indoor comfort. But what exactly is air leakage, and why should you care?
CDN Energy Star climate zones
Even though windows do not consume energy, they can be a significant source of heat loss in a home. ENERGY STAR qualified windows will save you money by reducing the overall annual energy costs. ENERGY STAR windows will also help keep your home more comfortable all-year-round and may have less condensation in cold weather compared with a conventional non-certified product.
What is an R-value?
Move over, traditional window specs – the R-value is becoming a popular measurement in the world of window sales! Though it's been around for a while, this rating is gaining traction as an indicator of window efficiency. But why the sudden surge in popularity? Keep reading to find out.
What is a U-factor?
When choosing windows, two key metrics to consider are the U-factor (or U-value) and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Understanding these can help you make informed decisions for better home comfort and energy efficiency.
What is a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)?
Let the sun shine in, or not. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measurement can help you achieve a desired increase or decrease in the amount of solar radiation (heat) passing through a window into your home.
A homeowner's guide to energy ratings & efficiency
Navigating window and glass ratings can be perplexing, as higher numbers are preferred in some cases while lower numbers are preferred in others. To assist you, here are some helpful tips.
Energy Star (ER) rating - An overall measure of energy efficiency?
Although windows and doors don’t consume energy themselves, they can be a significant source of energy loss. If you're purchasing windows with energy efficiency in mind, the ER helps you make standardized product comparisons.
Comparative energy efficiency stories you may have missed
Here are some comparative energy efficiency stories you may have missed from our "What's the Difference" section.
What are spectrally selective coatings
Spectrally selective coatings are advanced coatings applied to glass that filter and control the amount of solar energy that enters a building.
What is visual transmittance?
The amount of light you let into your home is a matter of personal taste. When replacing your windows, knowing what VT is and how to control it will help you get it right.
What is Low-E Glass?
Low-emissivity (low-E or LoE) glass, commonly known as LoE glass, is engineered to reflect radiant heat, significantly improving the thermal efficiency of windows. Emissivity measures how much heat a glass surface transfers through it.
Keeping your energy costs down and comfort level up
Windows provide light, warmth and ventilation, but they also decrease home energy-efficiency and can affect the comfort in your home. Choosing the right glass option will allow you to find a balance between energy costs and the desired level of home comfort.
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Category Posts:
What is Air Leakage (AL)?
CDN Energy Star climate zones
What is an R-value?
What is a U-factor?
What is a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)?
A homeowner's guide to energy ratings & efficiency
Energy Star (ER) rating - An overall measure of energy efficiency?
Comparative energy efficiency stories you may have missed
What are spectrally selective coatings
What is visual transmittance?
What is Low-E Glass?
Keeping your energy costs down and comfort level up
