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    Benefits of Energy Star Qualified Windows and Doors

    • Save money — and more: Installing ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors lowers energy bills and saves you money. With more efficient windows, you also use less energy, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and homes.
    • Get comfortable: Put an end to cold drafts and overheated spaces. ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors keep your home’s temperature consistently comfortable. Even your loveseat right by the window can be cozy with ENERGY STAR.
    • Protect your valuables: Low-emissivity coatings on many ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors reduce UV sun damage to floors, carpets, and furniture.
    • Certified performance: All Energy Star windows and doors are certified and verified to perform as labeled.
    Sliding Glass Doors in Living Room in Durham, NC

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    Window Climate Savings 2023

    Average Annual Cost Savings When Replacing Windows

    In North Carolina, replacing outdated windows with new, ENERGY STAR qualified models is a financially astute decision that yields substantial average annual cost savings.

    These savings are largely due to the enhanced energy efficiency of the windows, which are designed to minimize heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. The specific materials used in ENERGY STAR certified windows—such as low-emissivity coatings, and advanced framing materials like fiberglass, vinyl, or composite—work together to significantly reduce the amount of energy required to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. This reduction in energy use is not only good for the wallet, but also beneficial for the environment, as it corresponds with a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from home heating and cooling systems.

    The financial benefits of window replacement in North Carolina are further underscored by the performance criteria set by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The NFRC ratings take into account various climate zones and the unique challenges they present, ensuring that homeowners are getting products tailored to their local environmental conditions. With ENERGY STAR certified windows, North Carolinians can expect improved home comfort and a reduction in ultraviolet damage to the interior furnishings. Over time, the initial investment in window replacement is offset by the continuous savings on energy bills, with many homeowners recovering the cost through improved energy efficiency within a few years.

    What makes it ENERGY STAR?

    ENERGY STAR qualified, windows, and doors:

    1. Are manufactured by an ENERGY STAR partner,
    2. Are independently tested, certified, and verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), and
    3. Have NFRC ratings that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

    Though ENERGY STAR does not require any specific technologies, certain product features are common in many certified products.

    Energy Star logo
    Energy Star Map

    Performance Criteria

    Windows and doors protect you from the elements just like a winter coat. But like a winter coat, you should pick the windows and doors that make the most sense for your climate. While some windows and doors are better at keeping you warm, others excel at keeping you cool.

    Performance criteria for windows and doors are based on ratings certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and vary for each of the climate zones shown in the adjacent map. To find the climate in which you are located, search here.

    Doors are a little different. Many doors don’t have any glass (like your front door), but even doors with lots of glass (like a sliding patio door) have lower glass-to-frame ratios than windows. This means doors can provide more insulation than a window or skylight can. Performance criteria for doors are based on the amount of glass they have (called glazing level) and ratings certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).

    Energy Start Windows
    Energy Star Skylights
    Energy Star Doors
    What Makes a Door Energy Efficient?
    What Makes a Skylight Energy Efficient?
    What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient?

    Anatomy of an Energy-Efficient Window

    Many ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors have some or all of the product features detailed below. But these features are not required. Learn more about what makes it ENERGY STAR. Understanding the components that contribute to the energy efficiency of your windows is crucial when considering an upgrade.

    Below we delve into the common product features of ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors, explaining how each design choice and material can contribute to energy savings and improved home comfort.

    FIBERGLASS

    Fiberglass frames are strong, durable, low maintenance, and provide good insulation. Fiberglass frames can be either hollow or filled with foam insulation.

    VINYL

    Vinyl frames are low maintenance and provide good thermal insulation. Sections may be hollow or filled with foam insulation. Wide vinyl sills may be reinforced with metal or wood.

    ALUMINUM

    Aluminum frames are durable, low maintenance, recyclable, and typically have at least 15% recycled content. Frame design typically includes thermal breaks to reduce conductive heat loss through the metal.

    WOOD

    Wood frames are strong, provide good insulation, and are generally favored in historical neighborhoods. The exterior surfaces of many wood windows are clad (or covered) with aluminum or vinyl to reduce maintenance.

    COMBINATION

    Combination frames use different materials separately throughout the frame and sash to provide optimal performance. For example, the exterior half of a frame could be vinyl while the interior half could be wood.

    COMPOSITE

    Composite frames are made of various materials that have been blended together through manufacturing processes to create durable, low maintenance, well-insulated windows.

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    Our Hassle-Free Process

    Enjoy a beautiful, affordable, energy-efficient home the EASY way.

    We will come to YOU to get the process started. To begin, we will measure all your windows and doors. Once your selections are made, we will give you a quote.

    We will present you with a wide array of options, not only for temperature and sound insulation, but also for the look and tint of your windows. We offer a range of styles designed to accommodate your style and budget needs.

    Before starting the project, we will take detailed measurements of your current windows & doors. We will evaluate the new sizes and scope of your project, so there are no surprises down the road.

    Once your custom windows arrive in our warehouse, we will reach out and schedule an installation date. We pride ourselves on the speed and effectiveness of our in-house installation crews.

    Years of guaranteed comfort, energy savings, and lasting beauty will be your new reality. It all comes with our HomeCraft Lifetime Warranty from your premier local window installation company!