When it comes to purchasing anything that uses energy, or can help save on the utility bill, many consumers will look for that “Energy Star” label. This label is not a brand but simply displayed on products from various different companies. It’s a sign that expresses you will save money on your utility bill. So, what does it mean to have an Energy Star label on a window?
For starters, they decrease the amount that your heater or air conditioner will have to work in order to fulfill the set temperature on the thermostat. If you have windows that were not energy efficient they could be leaking air whether it may be cold for the summer months or heat for the winter. With air seeping through the non-energy efficient windows this makes your heating and air conditioning unit work harder, therefore increasing your utility bill.
How do products earn that Energy Label star? They need to meet certain requirements set in place by Energy Star. A few examples of qualifications that need to be achieved are that the product must contribute significant energy savings nationwide. Also, if the product in qualification costs more than a traditional window, the consumer has to be able to recover their investment from the increased energy savings within a certain period of time. One requirement that would seem most relevant is that the “Energy Star” labeled product has to be able to be measured with testing. By this we mean the window should be able to show significant results that it are indeed effective. However, these are not the only factors that go into consideration when deciding if the product can be labeled as energy efficient.
Consumers tend to think energy efficient windows or even appliances are more expensive. Having higher quality windows often means a high price, but remember one of the qualifications is if the product costs more than a traditional window, you will recover your investment in energy savings. Having premium quality materials and windowpanes are costly, but in the long run your energy savings can be greater. Not only will you be helping the environment and adding value to your home, but your heating and air conditioning unit will work less. With energy efficient windows you will no longer have to dread your monthly utility bill!