If you’re building a home in the Raleigh, NC area, you are likely already planning to purchase energy-efficient windows for your new home.
But, there’s one important fact that you need to check before selecting which energy-efficient windows to use in your home.
This is the key information that we encourage all home builders visiting our Raleigh, NC window showroom to know before ordering new energy-efficient windows.
Choosing Energy-Efficient Windows for Your New Home
If you’re building a new home, it makes sense that you want energy-efficient windows. As we explain in this post, energy-efficient windows can save you money and protect your home from the elements. The ENERGY STAR designation is a quick way to confirm if windows meet the criteria to qualify as ‘energy efficient’.
ENERGY STAR is a program run by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program promotes energy efficiency by labeling a wide range of products as meeting ENERGY STAR requirements.
In addition to doors, windows, and skylights, ENERGY STAR rates household appliances, computers, lightbulbs, and more.
A product having an ENERGY STAR certification means that it meets a minimum standard of energy efficiency. An ENERGY STAR certification indicates that a window:
- is manufactured by an ENERGY STAR partner,
- is independently tested, certified, and verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), and
- has NFRC ratings that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Ensuring that Your New Energy Efficient Windows Also Meet Local Building Code Guidelines
You may think that simply choosing any window that meets ENERGY STAR standards will suffice for your new home. However, if you’re building a new home, it’s important that you check the local building codes governing your project.
More and more frequently, we are seeing local building codes whose requirements for energy efficiency are more stringent than what is required to meet ENERGY STAR standards.
And because windows are generally custom-made, they are typically a ‘No Returns’ product.
This means that it’s critical that you ensure that the specific window you’re purchasing meets energy code standards and that it meets the local building code standards for your area. Otherwise, you may order a whole houseful of windows that you can’t install in your new home.
Summary
At Window Works Co., we know that building a new home is stressful. There are thousands of decisions to make. You need to work with competent professionals who can guide you through each choice.
Choosing the right construction professionals can save you thousands of dollars if they help you avoid common, costly traps.
We have helped thousands of homeowners in the Raleigh, NC area find the windows and doors they love. When you’re ready to start your project, we’d love to help you, too.
