Energy Star Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows in San Jose

The biggest name that comes to mind when homeowners think energy efficient vinyl windows is Energy Star. Even here in sunny and beautiful San Jose where we are gifted with gorgeous weather almost year round, we need to be informed on Energy Star energy efficient vinyl windows, as energy efficiency can not only help your home stay green but can also help you save money on your energy bills.

Energy Star is a United Stated Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, program that helps homes and businesses go green and save money through energy efficiency programs and window and door innovations. Energy Star tests different window products to find the most energy efficient options, and then gives each product a rating to help consumers shop smarter.

Qualified Vinyl Windows

The following criteria must be met for a vinyl window system to gain an Energy Star rating:

· Be made by an Energy Star manufacturing partner

· Pass independent testing by the National Fenestration Rating Council, or NFRC and receive certifications and verifications

· Receive NFRC ratings that meet the EPA’s energy efficient guidelines

While there aren’t specific construction or technology requirements laid out by energy star for vinyl windows, energy efficient models often have the following in common:

· Low-E Glass – Low-E glass is coated with a transparent film to reflect infrared light back outside to keep your home cool without over working your air conditioning system.

· Double Panes – The more glass panes a window has, the more energy efficient it is. Therefore, dual or even triple paned vinyl windows are often Energy Star rated.

· Spacers – Spacers keep dual or triple paned glass panels the proper distance apart for effective insulation and noise reduction. Most Energy Star energy efficient windows have non-metallic spacers as these have low conduction rates for increased efficiency.

Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows For San Jose

Energy Star rates and categorizes energy efficient vinyl windows by climate zone so you can easily shop for the best windows for your specific area. The zones are Northern, North Central, South Central and Southern.

San Jose, CA is in the South Central zone. When shopping for energy efficient windows in San Diego, look for labels marked South Central or All 50 States.

Energy Star recommends energy efficient vinyl windows with the following ratings for the South Central zone:

· U-Factor of 0.30 or less

· SHGC of 0.25 or less

Energy Star also has recommendations for energy efficient skylights and doors in San Diego. Some of these ratings include:

· Skylights U-Factor of 0.53 or les

· Skylights SHGC of 0.28 or less

· Opaque Doors (no glass) U-Factor of 0.17 or less

· Light Doors (50% glass) U-Factor 0.25 or less

· Full-Lite Doors (more than 50% glass) U-Factor 0.3 or less

If you want more information on energy efficient windows San Jose, CA ratings, My Window & Door Solutions can help. Give us a call at (408) 437-6274 or pay us a visit at our conveniently located shop at 1510 Oakland Rd., Suite 130, San Jose, CA 95112.