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2010 ENERGY STAR

On January 4th, new 2010 ENERGY STAR guidelines went into effect calling for stricter criteria. The new regionally specific criteria is designed to improve energy performance levels for all regions of the country and has called for modifications to the four-zone ENERGY STAR map. Please note, 2010 ENERGY STAR glass packages that qualify for the $1,500 federal Energy Tax Credit vary by climate zone. Not all qualify. Qualifying 2010 Energy Star glass packages must have a U-factor of ≤.30 and SHGC of ≤.30. Please contact your Simonton sales representative or visit www.simonton.com/taxcredit for more details.


To be labeled as an ENERGY STAR product, the U-factor and SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) ratings must be less than or equal to those established by ENERGY STAR. The following are the 2010 ENERGY STAR criteria:

How To Order ENERGY STAR Qualified Windows and Doors?
To simplify the ordering of 2010 ENERGY STAR qualified Simonton windows and doors, Simonton has created an ENERGY STAR glass package for each climate zone (Northern, North-Central, South-Central and Southern) for the products we manufacture.

  1. Specify the Simonton windows and doors you want.
  2. State that you want ENERGY STAR qualified products.
  3. Tell us your climate zone. Simonton’s 2010 ENERGY STAR qualified packages are named to match your climate zone. Example: If you are in the Southern climate zone, just order the ENERGY STAR Southern package. It’s just that simple! 


What is the ENERGY STAR Program?
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices—including windows and patio doors.

Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2008 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars — all while saving $19 billion on their utility bills. And with studies showing that over 40% of a typical home's annual energy budget consumed by windows and doors, ENERGY STAR labeled windows and doors are one of the most effective tools in conserving energy and reducing heating and cooling costs.

 
What Window And Door Features Are Recognized By ENERGY STAR?
For windows and doors, ENERGY STAR guidelines assess the U-factor and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).

  • The U-factor is commonly described as the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the U-factor, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating quality.
  • The SHGC refers to the amount of heat from the sun that windows and doors allow into the home. The lower the number, the greater the ability to reduce the amount of heat absorbed into the home.


What Factors Can Affect An ENERGY STAR Qualification?
Several product features can improve a window or door's ability to meet ENERGY STAR guidelines. Features such as low emissivity glass, the size of the air space inside the insulating glass unit and the type of frame and sash material are just a few product attributes that can alter how well a window or door meets the established ENERGY STAR guidelines in a specific area of the country.

Learn more about the ENERGY STAR program visit their website at www.energystar.gov.