Do you know the meaning of an Energy Star® new home? Our environmental awareness has increased in the last decade, but do people really know what features would give a house an Energy Star® rating?

In general, people understand the concept of energy efficient appliances and energy efficient heating. But there is a lot more that goes into the Energy Star program than just fixtures:

• High performance windows
• Superior insulation and air infiltration prevention
• Tight construction and ductwork
• Efficient heating, cooling and ventilation systems
• Efficient appliances and fixtures bearing the Energy Star® symbol
• Third-Party verification

The requirements for achieving an Energy Star® label on a home become increasingly more stringent with every revision of the program. These changes make it difficult to identify all of the specific criteria and have it be meaningful over time. We can, however, discuss in general terms, the primary benefits of an Energy Star® home.

Let’s start with windows. The US has fenestration guidelines for windows that are based on four climate zones. For this reason, energy-efficient windows in Florida may not necessarily be energy-efficient in Michigan. That said, there are elements of window construction that contribute to the energy efficiency of every window.

Our window supplier – Andersen Windows – combines these essential elements that make their windows top performers for our home models. Among these is “Low E glass” which acts like your typical household sunscreen, blocking out harmful ultra-violet rays. Andersen’s high-performance Low E glass is 35% more energy efficient than ordinary double pane glass.

Andersen Windows use natural wood for both aesthetics and sustainability. They have tough protective shells and thus do not need to be painted. The natural wood frame and wood core members provide insulation. This stands in contrast to vinyl frame or metal frame windows which have hollow cores.

We have been very satisfied with the performance of Andersen Windows and the fact that they participate in the US Department of Energy’s R-5 program is added assurance that their U Factor performance. The U Factor is an indicator of how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The lower the U Factor, the more efficient the window is.

Andersen’s product line nicely complements our home building efforts. While they offer a product line for every budget, each of their product lines offers the energy efficiency we demand.

Windows are a significant factor in containing heat within the home, which translates into lower heating bills.

In our next post, we will discuss the insulation and air penetration elements of the Energy Star® program.

The image above is provided by Andersen Windows and is a cutaway of their 400 series Tilt-Wash window.