Windows Door Skylights e Web Version

Natural Resources Ressources naturelles
Canada Canada
Energy-Efficient
Residential Windows,
Doors and Skylights
Updated October 2010
Natural Resources Canadas Office of Energy Efficiency

Leading Canadians to Energy Efficiency at Home, at Work and on the Road
For additional copies of this or other free
publications on energy efficiency, contact:
Energy Publications
Office of Energy Efficiency
Natural Resources Canada
c/o St. Joseph Communications
Order Processing Unit
1165 Kenaston Street
PO Box 9809 Station T
Ottawa ON K1G 6S1
Tel.: 1-800-387-2000 (toll-free)
Fax: 613-740-3114
TTY: 613-996-4397 (teletype for the hearing-impaired)
Cat. No. M144-192/2011E (Print)

ISBN 978-1-100-18216-2
Cat. No. M144-192/2011E-PDF (On-line)
ISBN 978-1-100-18271-9
Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2011
For information regarding reproduction rights, contact Public Works and Government Services
Canada (PWGSC) at 613-996-6886 or at [email protected].
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Aussi disponible en franais sous le titre :

Portes, fentres et puits de lumire conergtiques
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Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Repair, improve or replace?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
The basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Types and styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Material choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Glazing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Weatherstripping and hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Standards and certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Energy performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Physical performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
ENERGY STAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Labelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Key features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Climate zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Other considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Humidity issues and condensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Designing a new home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Glazing selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Windows with dynamic performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Window coverings and film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Where can I obtain more information?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Appendix A. List of heating degree-day

values and ENERGY STAR zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights i

Introduction
Windows, doors and skylights are an integral part of our homes.
Poorly-performing products can be a significant source of heat loss and
uncomfortable drafts. These products will often have condensation or
even frost on them during cold weather, possibly causing mould.
A properly installed new, energy-efficient product will
reduce your energy consumption and save you money

increase your comfort
reduce condensation on glass in cold weather
often reduce noise and dust penetration from outside the home
Homeowners who replace all their old windows and doors with energy-
efficient products will typically save about 7 percent on their energy bills,
depending on how many windows and doors they replace, how old they
were and how much air leakage they allowed. Buyers of new homes can save
about 16 percent on their energy bills over what they would pay for with
standard products. The savings are greater because new homes are typically
larger, with more windows and doors.
The windows in my home are more than 25 years old. How do they
compare with new products on the market?
Todays high-performance windows, doors and skylights are far

more energy-efficient than products built 25 years ago. Todays
products are more airtight, with advanced technology such as
low-emissivity (low-E) glass, inert gas between the panes and
better-designed hardware.
Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights 1

Will energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights make my home
more comfortable?
The short answer is yes depending on the condition of your

existing windows and doors. They can reduce or eliminate
uncomfortable drafts, allow you to have a higher indoor humidity
during the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer.
How can I be sure I am purchasing an energy-efficient product?
Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol and label. It indicates that a
window, door or skylight has been certified to meet strict technical
requirements that make it one of the most energy-efficient products
on the market.
Repair, improve or replace?
If the frame and sashes of the window, door or skylight are still in good
condition, you can improve their airtightness by adjusting or replacing
hardware and weatherstripping and adding caulking on exterior walls
around the frames. If there is fogging or condensation between the panes,
you may be able to replace the panes with glass that reduces heat loss. Heat
loss can also be reduced by installing a storm window (exterior or interior)
or a storm door. (For more information on window retrofit and repair
options, see Natural Resources Canadas [NRCans] fact sheet, Improving
Window Energy Efficiency.)
However, if your window, door or skylight is more than 25 years old, or if

the frames, sashes and weatherstripping have deteriorated beyond repair,
then it is time to start thinking about buying a new product.
2 Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights

The basics
Here are some basic tips about buying a new energy-efficient window, door
or skylight for your home.
Types and styles
Residential windows and skylights come in two basic types: operable and
non-operable (or fixed). Non-operable products are more airtight, but it is
often desirable to be able to open a window or skylight for ventilation or to
provide an escape route in case of emergency.
Fixed Operable
Among operable products, hinged windows (casement, awning, hopper, tilt,

turn) are generally more airtight than sliding-style windows because the
closing mechanism pulls them tight against the frame. Skylights should
have a low curb (the part that holds the glass at the roof line) for better
energy efficiency.
A tubular skylight can be used instead of the traditional flat-glazed or large

domed skylight. This product consists of a small-domed lens on the roof and
a flat lens inserted into the ceiling. A flexible or rigid tube that has a
reflective interior surface is connected between the two lenses and natural
light is transmitted into the home. These are more energy efficient than
traditional skylights and easier to install, although they do not provide as
much natural daylight or any ventilation. Some tubular skylights also have

Awning Casement
Vertical slider Vertical slider

(single-hung) (double-hung)
Hopper
Horizontal slider Horizontal slider Tilt and Turn

(single) (double)
Skylight (flat-glazed)
Skylight (dome)

integral lighting fixtures. There are also roof windows that operate like
hung-style windows but are designed to be installed at an angle.
Doors come in two operable styles: swinging (hinged) and sliding. They can
range from having no glass to being full-glass models with optional windows
beside the door (sidelight) or above the door (transom). Doors can be made
from one material, such as wood (flush door) or constructed with a wood or
metal skeleton that is covered with a skin on both sides, protecting an
inner core of insulating foam (stile and rail door). Doors made from one
material conduct heat (see sidebar) more readily than insulated core doors.
However, the more glass there is, the less resistance there is to heat loss.
Depending on where the door is located, one with more glass can also allow
the suns heat into the home.
Sources of heat loss
Heat energy naturally moves from warmer areas to colder areas. In the case
of windows, doors and skylights, this process occurs in a number of ways.
Radiation Heat energy is absorbed by the window glass, then moves

(radiates) toward the cooler side.
Conduction Heat energy moves through solid materials such as

the frame, sash and spacer bar materials.
Convection Heat is lost through the movement of air near and in

the space between the glass.
Air Leakage Heat is lost when the air moves through the seals or
gaps in the frame. Air leakage may also occur around the frame
due to poor installation.
While there is no way to completely eliminate heat loss through windows,

doors and skylights, good-quality construction and the use of appropriate
materials can minimize it.

Entry door system
Transom
Sliding patio door
Hinge set
Frame
Sidelite
Doorlite
Lock set
Latch set
Door slab
Foam core
Sill
Sill sweep
French door
Swinging (hinged) patio or garden door
Material choices
Windows, doors and skylights installed in houses and low-rise buildings can
be manufactured from a variety of materials such as metal (aluminum,
steel), fibreglass, vinyl and wood, or a combination of these materials. As a
rule, metal tends to conduct heat more than non-metals. However, the
overall energy efficiency depends on the products design and is reflected
in its energy-performance ratings. (See Standards and certification.) Most
windows, doors and skylights installed in high-rise and multi-residential
dwellings and commercial buildings are made primarily from metal

because of the materials reduced-flame-spread rating and resistance to high
winds, and for security considerations.
Glazing
Glazing is the generic term for the transparent material usually glass in a
window, door or skylight. Ordinary glass is called annealed glass. Glass can
also be tempered (heat-strengthened) or laminated, to make it more shatter-
resistant. Laminated glass is a combination of two or more glass sheets with
one or more interlayers of clear plastic or resin.
Glazing layers: A single-glazed product has one pane of glass; a double-

glazed product has two panes; a triple-glazed, three; and a quad-glazed,
four. One of the panes inside a triple- or quad-glazed product may be
substituted for a thin layer of suspended polyester film to reduce the overall
weight. In Canada, all windows, skylights and doors with glazing should be
at least double-glazed.
Insulating glazing (IG) unit: The IG unit consists of at least two panes of
glass that have been sealed around the edges to make the window airtight.
A spacer bar is placed around the edge of the glass in an IG unit to hold
the panes apart. The spacer bar also has desiccant in it to absorb all the
moisture remaining inside the glazing unit after it had been sealed.
This prevents fogging between the panes.
IG Unit
Insulating
glass unit
Spacer bar

Frosted, patterned and tinted glass: Frosted translucent glass and patterned
artistic glass do not significantly reduce the amount of the suns heat and
visible light coming into the home. Tinted glass, however, is made to reduce
both. In summer, cooling costs are lowered but, in winter, heating costs
may rise because of the reduction of the suns heat.
Low-E: Low-E glass has a fine coating of metal to reduce heat loss in the
winter and heat gain in the summer, through the glass, by up to 30 percent.
There are two types of low-E coatings: hard coat and soft coat. Both
increase energy efficiency; however, some types of soft-coat, low-E glass can
dramatically reduce the amount of the suns heat coming into the home.
Gas fill: The inside of the IG unit is filled with an odourless, colourless,
harmless inert gas, such as argon or krypton, to reduce heat transfer
through the glass. For maximum efficiency, argon is normally put into
double-glazed units and krypton is put into triple- or quad-glazed units.
Spacer bars: Traditional aluminum-box spacer bars in IG units contribute to

heat loss and condensation problems. Spacer bars designed with thermal
breaks that use materials such as foam, plastic or glass, or that are made
with other types of metal, such as stainless steel, will reduce heat loss.
Grilles and dividers: Metal or plastic bars called grilles are often placed inside
the IG unit to give the effect of many individual panes of glass. Dividers may
be placed over a single IG unit and attached to the sash or frame, or a
number of small IG units may be placed inside the dividers to achieve the
same effect. While grilles and dividers are popular choices to enhance the
look of windows and doors, they also reduce the amount of the suns heat
coming into the home.
Vacuum, aerogel and electrochromic glazing: These technologies are new to

the market and are not widely available. A vacuum IG unit has no air or inert
gas inside, dramatically reducing heat transfer. The unit is tightly sealed
around the edges, and the panes of glass are held apart by tiny, invisible
pillars. Aerogel glazing has a highly insulating, low-density silica-based solid

called aerogel between the glass panes. Aerogel eliminates the need for
low-E coatings and inert gas fills. Electrochromic or smart glazing (also
known as switchable or active glazing) can save energy by reducing solar
gain only when its necessary. All these developing technologies promise
significant improvements in energy efficiency.
Weatherstripping and hardware
Weatherstripping is used to create a seal between the frame and door or

window sash to block rain and dust and to minimize air leakage. There are
three basic types of seals: compression, brush and sweep. A fourth type,
called a magnetic seal, may be found on some door systems.
Compression and magnetic seals provide superior airtightness. Casement,

awning, hopper and tilt-turn-style windows, most operable skylights and
swinging doors have compression seals to provide the primary air barrier.
Sliding and hung windows have brush seals. Swinging doors also have a
sweep seal between the bottom of the door slab and the sill, which tends to
be the area with the most air leakage in a door system. High-quality
hardware, such as cranks, handles, latches and locksets, also help to provide
a good seal. If possible, they should not conduct heat through the product.
Compression and sweep weatherstripping
Inside
Outside
Sash
Compression
Sweep

Brush weatherstripping
Brush
Inside
Outside Sash
Standards and certification
Energy performance
The Canadian test standard for the energy performance of windows, doors
and skylights is the CSA A440.2. Some products sold in Canada may also be
tested to the United States standards of the National Fenestration Rating
Council (NFRC) (100 and 200 standards). Tests are performed using
standard sample sizes to fairly rank their overall structural and energy
performance. Frequently, the energy efficiency ratings are derived by using
computer software developed specifically for fenestration products.
Currently, testing the energy performance of factory-built windows, doors

and skylights is not mandatory in Canada, except in Ontario, British
Columbia and Nova Scotia. Windows, doors and skylights in British
Columbia and windows and sliding glass doors in Ontario and Nova Scotia
must meet a minimum efficiency standard. The values that are most often
used in Canada to represent the energy performance of windows, doors and
skylights are the following.
U-value: Indicates the rate of heat transfer from warm to cold areas in
watts per square metre Kelvin (W/m2K) or British thermal units per hour
per square foot Fahrenheit (Btu/hsq. ft.F) . The lower the value, the
slower the rate of heat transfer.

R-value: This value is the opposite of the U-factor and is not part of the
energy performance standards. It indicates the resistance to heat
transfer in square feet per hour in Fahrenheit degrees of temperature per
British thermal unit (sq. fthF/Btu). The higher the number, the higher
the resistance to heat transfer.
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): A ratio indicating the amount of the
suns heat that can pass through the product (solar gain). The higher
the number, the greater the solar gain.
Energy rating (ER): For windows and doors only, this unitless number
reflects the balance between heat transfer (U-factor or U-value), solar
gain and air leakage. Higher numbers indicate a slower heat transfer
without significantly reducing the amount of solar gain.
Visible transmittance (VT): A ratio that indicates the amount of visible
light that can pass through the product. The higher the number, the
more visible light that can pass through.
Centre-of-glass: Often called centre-of-glass ratings, these values make
the product appear more energy-efficient than it really is because the
values are not for the whole product but only for the glass portion.
Physical performance
The current Canadian physical performance test standards are the CSA A440.0
(windows), the CGSB 82.1 (sliding glass doors) and the CGSB 82.5
(insulated steel doors). Building codes in Canada require that all windows
and doors be rated for their physical performance before they are installed in
new homes or buildings. Provincial, territorial and local building codes
require different minimum ratings, depending on the climatic conditions.
The standards for windows and sliding glass doors produce a range of
performance categories whereas the insulated door standard is a pass or fail
standard.
The following tables show the different physical performance ratings and
their ranges for windows and sliding glass doors.

Airtightness ratings for windows and sliding glass doors
Type Least airtight Most airtight

Most operable windows A1 A3
Single-hung windows* A1/fixed A3/fixed
Single sliding windows* A1/fixed A3/fixed
Non-operable (fixed)
casement windows A1 A3
Picture windows Fixed (pass/fail rating)
Sliding glass doors A1 A3
* The operable and non-operable sashes may be tested and rated separately for single-hung
and single sliding windows.
Other ratings for windows
Type Minimum level Highest level

Water tightness B1 B7
Wind load strength C1 C5
Insect screen strength* S1 S2
Resistance to forced entry F10 or F1 F20 or F2
*This test measures only how well the screen mesh stays fastened to the screen mesh frame,
not how well the insect screen stays fastened to the window frame. Most insect screens can
be easily removed from the window to allow for exit in an emergency. An S1 rating is adequate
for residential applications.
Other ratings for sliding glass doors
Type Minimum level Highest level

Water tightness B1 B4
Wind load strength C1 C3
Ease of operation E1 E3
Resistance to forced entry F1 F2

The current Canadian standards are being phased out in favour of the new
harmonized North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS) that covers all
windows, doors and skylights in both Canada and the United States. The
NAFS replaced the older Canadian-only standards in the 2010 National
Building Code of Canada, which will soon be adopted by the provinces,
territories and other jurisdictions. The main measurement of performance in
the NAFS is derived through "design pressure," and the product is assigned a
"performance grade." The current standard has the main performance grade
designators of R, LC, CW and AW. Each main performance grade in the NAFS
will include a number. The higher the number, the greater the product's
structural strength and resistance to water penetration.
Performance grade Range of values

R 20 100
LC 30 100
CW 35 100
AW 45 100
Products designed for single family homes, townhouses and low-rise

apartment buildings typically have a performance grade of R or LC. Products
designed for high-rise apartment buildings and commercial office buildings
will typically have a performance grade of CW or AW. To facilitate the
transition to the NAFS standard, a Canadian supplement has been issued.
The supplement allows the test results from the NAFS standard to be used to
produce the air tightness, water tightness and other performance categories
in the CSA A440.0 and CGSB 82.1 standards.
Certification
Certification ensures that the testing is done by an accredited laboratory

against the current standards and that the results have been verified by
an independent third party. Certification also helps to ensure that no
unauthorized changes have been made to the certified products that would
change their quality or performance ratings. Windows, doors and skylights
sold in Canada may be certified for their energy performance by the
following accredited agencies:

CSA International (CSA)
Intertek Testing Services (ITS)
Quality Auditing Institute Ltd. (QAI)
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) United States
The IG units may also be certified for their durability by the Insulating Glass
Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA). This certification program tests a
manufacturers ability to build a unit that will not fog or have premature seal
failure and that will gas-fill units properly and consistently.
ENERGY STAR
Windows, doors and skylights are on the growing list of products that can
qualify for the ENERGY STAR international symbol for energy efficiency. This
makes the buying process simpler because ENERGY STAR has determined for
you what an energy-efficient product is. Buying an ENERGY STAR qualified
window, door or skylight can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
1. Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol in the showroom or on

promotional literature, or ask your salesperson, contractor or
renovator about ENERGY STAR.
2. Using the climate map below, find the zone where the product
will be installed.
ZONE D
ZONE C
ZONE B
ZONE A
* See Appendix A for a list of locations, their heating-degree day values and
ENERGY STAR zones

3. Make sure that the product model you are buying is qualified for
that zone or for colder zones, to save even more energy.
Labelling
By the end of 2011, all qualified models will have a removeable label
showing the ENERGY STAR zones of qualification and the certified
performance ratings. This information should be kept for future reference. A
permanent label will also be on the product, normally hidden from view but
easily accessible. There will also be a permanent marking either on the glass
or on the spacer bar to indicate that the manufacturer has passed the
insulating glass (IG) durability test.
Sample Window Label With a Map of Canada Sample Window Label (no map version)
Showing ENERGY STAR Qualification for all of Showing ENERGY STAR Qualification for all
Canada (certified by CSA) of Canada (certified by QAI)

Sample Door Label With a Map of Canada Sample Skylight Label With a Map of
and the U.S. showing ENERGY STAR Canada Showing ENERGY STAR
qualification for all of the U.S. and Zones A, Qualification for Zones A, B and C
B and C in Canada (certified by NFRC) (certified by ITS)

Key features
An ENERGY STAR qualified window, door or skylight will have many of the
following features:
1. double- or triple-glazing, with a sealed insulating glass unit

2. low-E glass
3. inert gas, such as argon or krypton, in the sealed unit
4. low-conductivity or warm edge spacer bars
5. insulated frames, sashes and door cores
6. good air tightness
Certification
All ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors and skylights have been certified
by an independent accredited agency for their energy performance and
insulating glass (IG) durability. Because of this, manufacturers frequently
offer longer warranties for these products.
Climate zones
The four climate zones in Canada are based on an average annual

temperature indicator called a heating degree-day (HDD). This temperature
is then averaged over 30 years to provide a good indication of the average
temperature in a certain location. The higher the average HDD value, the
colder a location and the longer the heating season is, usually with very cold
winter temperatures. Zone A is the warmest region in Canada, with the
lowest HDDs, and Zone D is the coldest region, with the highest HDDs.
The following list indicates the range of HDDs by temperature zone.

Zone A: 3500 HDDs
Zone B: 3501 5500 HDDs
Zone C: 5501 8000 HDDs
Zone D: 8000 HDDs

If you live at a significantly higher elevation than the surrounding area,
purchase a product at least one zone colder than indicated on the climate
map. This applies especially to areas in southern and central British
Columbia, where the energy efficiency levels have been determined for
major urban centres, which are normally in valleys or at sea level.
Criteria
Windows and doors qualify for ENERGY STAR with either an energy rating
(ER) or a U-factor (U-value). There is a maximum U-factor (U-value) for the
ER qualification for windows and doors. Also, there are minimum ER values
for each of the four zones in Canada for the U-factor (U-value) qualification
for windows only. Skylights qualify with their U-factor (U-value) only. The ER
and U-factor (U-value) qualification levels are equated together based on
their ability to lower the overall energy costs of a typical single-family home
in each of the four climate zones. A window or door that qualifies for
acceptability in the specified ENERGY STAR zone through its ER will save
about the same amount of energy as another model that qualifies for the
same zone through its U-factor (U-value). Windows and sliding glass doors
must also have an airtightness of 1.65 m3/h/m (1.5 L/s/m2) (A2 or higher).

Windows, doors and skylights are not normally assigned an R-value when
tested. However, contractors and window salespeople may refer to the
R-value as a way to measure performance. To help you understand the
R-value system, in the table below, sample U-factors in both metric and
imperial units have been converted to R-values. Because ER values are
derived from a formula that uses both U-factor and solar heat gain, there is
no method for converting the ER value to an R-value.

U-factor conversion to R-value
U-factor U-factor R-value
(W/m2K) (Btu/hft.2F) (ft.2hF/Btu)
3.40 0.60 1.7
3.20 0.56 1.8
3.00 0.53 1.9
2.80 0.50 2.0
2.60 0.46 2.2
2.40 0.42 2.4
2.20 0.39 2.6
2.00 0.35 2.9
1.80 0.32 3.2
1.60 0.28 3.6
1.40 0.25 4.0
1.20 0.21 4.8
1.00 0.18 5.6
0.80 0.14 7.1
0.60 0.11 9.1
Other considerations
Installation
Have a knowledgeable professional install windows, doors and skylights

according to the manufacturer's instructions. A poorly installed product may
not operate properly and could cause cold drafts even though the product
itself is energy efficient. Poor installation may also allow water to leak into
the home, leading to costly damage.

Here are some installation criteria.
1. The installation should provide an airtight, insulated seal.

2. After installation, the window or door should retain its original shape
and should be level and vertical. Windows may be installed at an
angle (e.g., in an attic) only if they are designed to do so.
3. The window or door should not support any load other than
its own weight unless it is designed to do so.
4. Any exterior finishing, such as flashing, should prevent
water penetration.
5. A skylight should be well-sealed where it meets the roofing material.
Any tunnel from the ceiling to the skylight should be well-insulated.
When replacing an existing window or door, there are two types of

installation: retrofit and complete tear out. A retrofit involves installing a
new window or door into the frame of the window or door that is being
replaced. However, a retrofit should be done only if the existing frame has
not deteriorated and is properly sealed and insulated. A retrofit is usually less
expensive and minimizes the disturbance to the surrounding wall and trim.
It also narrows a door opening and reduces the glass area of a window by
about 10 percent. Skylights are typically not retrofitted.
A complete tear out involves removing the old window, door or skylight,
including the frame. A tear out allows the installer to make an airtight
insulated seal between the product and the rough opening. The original
door opening or window glass area is usually retained or enlarged.
For certified window installations through the Window Wise program, visit
the Web site at windowwise.com.

Humidity issues and condensation
A certain amount of humidity in your home is desirable for comfort during

the cold months. Windows, doors and skylights that are not energy-
efficient will often have condensation or frost on them even when the
indoor humidity is at a reasonable level. This condensation, in addition to
obscuring the view, can lead to the formation of mould on the frames and
sashes or can damage insulation and wood within the wall. An ENERGY
STAR qualified product will allow for higher indoor humidity before
condensation occurs. You may even be able to turn down your thermostat
and still feel comfortable. Because humidity levels are higher in bathrooms
and kitchens, consider installing a product qualified for Zone D in those
rooms to reduce, or eliminate, condensation. The table below shows when
condensation is likely to form.
Maximum humidity before

condensation occurs
Outside Standard High-performance
temperature window window
0oC 40% 50%
10oC 30% 40%
20oC 20% 30%
30oC 15% 25%
40oC 10% 20%

If the indoor humidity in your home is too high, try the following.
1. Turn off the humidifier on your furnace.

2. Ensure that the clothes dryer and the bathroom and kitchen fans
are vented to the outside.
3. Reduce the number of plants in your home.
4. Store firewood outside.
If you have a mechanical ventilation system (heat recovery ventilator [HRV]),

make sure that it is turned on and working properly. Some airtight houses
were built without mechanical ventilation systems. If high humidity is a
chronic problem in your home, consider having an HRV installed.
A note about exterior window condensation
Condensation may appear on the outside surface of the exterior pane of

glass of energy-efficient windows and doors for brief periods. This
condensation generally occurs on cool mornings in the spring or fall, just
before sunrise, if there is little or no wind. Because the glass is minimizing
heat loss, the outside glass surface becomes cool enough to reach the dew
point, which causes condensation to form. This type of condensation will
rapidly disappear after sunrise. If the condensation is persistent and appears
as a circle in the centre of the glass, or is between the glass panes, there
may be a problem with the glazing unit, and it may have to be replaced.
NRCans Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) and the Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation (CMHC) have free publications that can help you
address condensation problems in your home. Contact information for the
OEE and CMHC is found on pages 27 and 28.

Designing a new home
The suns energy is free. Howerver, how you use it is critical. If you are
building a new home, decisions on how many windows, doors and skylights
to include in your plans, and where to install them, can have a big impact
on your comfort and on your heating and cooling bills.
Homes without sufficient glass (relative to the exterior wall area) receive less
heat from the sun. Too much glass can cause unnecessary heat loss in winter
and excessive heat gain in summer. The tables below give the
recommended area for windows, doors and skylights for bungalows and
two-storey houses of varying sizes.
Bungalows
Floor area Wall area Glass area
1000 sq. ft. (93 m2) 1130 sq. ft. (105 m2) 170 sq. ft. (16 m2)
Two-storey homes
Floor area Wall area Glass area
The placement and orientation of a window, door or skylight relative to the

sun is the greatest factor affecting solar heat gain. More of a homes glazing
area should be oriented to the south and west, if possible, with minimal
glazing on the north and east sides of the home. However, do not
concentrate too much glass in any one area. For example, a sunroom with
little wall area can be nice in the winter but too hot in the summer. Heat loss

through doors can be reduced by situating the door out of the path of
prevailing winds or providing windbreaks, such as a porch or vestibule.
Skylights should not be located where there is high humidity, such as in a
bathroom near a shower or over a kitchen sink, as condensation may form in
colder weather and drip onto the floor.
Glazing selection
Many salespeople in the window and door industry still talk about hard-coat
low-E glazing versus soft coat low-E glazing, but these categories are
becoming obsolete. The typical hard coat low-E glazing has high solar gain
and makes a moderate reduction in heat loss while the soft coat low-E glazing
reduces heat loss dramatically but also reduces solar gain considerably.
However, new low-E coatings in the past few years give a wide range of
energy performance and can be classed in three general categories: high solar
gain, moderate solar gain and low solar gain. The following table is a guide to
these categories.
Low-E category Solar heat gain coefficient

High solar gain >0.45
Moderate solar gain 0.30 0.45
Low solar gain <0.30
Choosing an energy-efficient product is a good start, but you can optimize

your choice by selecting windows and exposed glazed doors with properties
that more precisely meet your needs.
Homes that have a southern and/or eastern exposure not obstructed by

another home or building can take advantage of the passive solar energy from
the sun by choosing glazings that have a high or moderate solar gain. Ideally,
any roof overhang should be angled to shade the windows in the
summertime, especially on the south side.
On the north side of the home, choose window and door models that have
the lowest overall U-factor that you can afford. Models with a lower U-factor

normally have glazing with a low or moderate solar gain and are very
resistant to heat loss. You may also want low solar gain glazing on the west
side if the windows are not properly shaded during the summertime. You
should know that rooms with a higher than average amount of glass area on
the west or south sides may experience too much solar gain at certain times
of the year. To reduce unwanted solar gain, choose windows with moderate
to low solar gain. Lastly, to reduce heat loss, choose skylights with the lowest
possible U-factor that you can afford.
Windows with dynamic performance
Dynamic windows are becoming available for the residential market. A

dynamic window has an integrated insulating blind system or a special
coating on the window glass. Both of these options will increase the energy
efficiency when used appropriately.
For example, during the winter, the blind can be closed at night to reduce
heat loss and opened during the day to allow for passive solar gain. In the
summer, the blind can be closed during the day to reduce solar gain and
opened at night to allow for ventilation. The blind may be opaque,
translucent or clear. Models with changeable coatings on the glass can be
made to increase reflection and/or darken in reaction to the amount of
natural light or the lack of it. These changes can be done manually or
automatically according to a control system that can be preset by the
homeowner, similar to a climate control thermostat.
The ENERGY STAR program recognizes the energy savings potential of such
products but qualifies them based on the ratings achieved only when the
dynamic options are not used. This practice is used because the increase in
energy efficiency is dependant on appropriate use of the blinds and because
the ENERGY STAR zone qualification may change when the dynamic options
are used.

Window coverings and film
Window coverings, such as blinds, internal shutters and insulated curtains,

can also help reduce heat loss at night during cold weather and heat gain
during the day in summer. They should be installed tight to the window
opening, although this is likely to increase the amount of frost and
condensation on the glass. (External shutters will not create this problem.)
Be sure to leave the window coverings open during cool, sunny weather to
allow solar gain. As with tinted glass, window films can reduce unwanted
glare and solar gain during warm weather, but they do not significantly slow
the rate of heat transfer. As the installation is permanent, the lack of solar
gain may lead to increased heating costs in winter that exceed the reduced
cooling costs during the summer.
Where can I obtain more information?
More information about ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors and

skylights, including a list of qualified products, is available on the Canadian
ENERGY STAR Web site at energystar.nrcan.gc.ca.
To order additional free copies of this publication or fact sheets entitled

Improving Window Energy Efficiency, Air Leakage Control and Moisture
Problems, contact
Energy Publications
PO Box 9809, Station T
Ottawa ON K1G 6S1
Tel.: in the National Capital Region, call 613-995-2943
Tel.: 1-800-387-2000 (toll-free)
Fax: 613-740-3114
Web site: oee.nrcan.gc.ca

Technical information on windows, doors and skylights, and home
construction and renovations is also available from
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Canadian Housing Information Centre
700 Montreal Road, Suite 1000
Ottawa ON K1A 0P7
Tel.: in the National Capital Region, call 613-748-2367
Tel.: 1-800-668-2642 (toll-free)
Fax: 613-748-4069
Web site: cmhc-schl.gc.ca
More information may also be available from your provincial or territorial

energy and environment ministries and electric and gas utilities.
The Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association (CWDMA) is

another source of information. CWDMA resources include Sill to Sash, an
informative guide to buying energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights.
Sill to Sash is available on the CWDMA Web site or can be ordered by mail
or telephone at
Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association

130 Albert Street, Suite 1208
Ottawa ON K1P 5G4
Tel.: 613-235-5511
Fax: 613-235-4664
Web site: cwdma.ca

As well, you may also wish to contact
Siding and Window Dealers Association of Canada

84 Adam Street
Cambridge ON N3C 2K6
Tel.: 519-651-2812
Tel.: 1-800-813-9616 (toll-free)
Fax: 519-658-4753
Web site: sawdac.com
Web site for the Window Wise program: windowwise.com
Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance

1500 Bank Street, Suite 300
Ottawa ON K1H 1B8
Tel.: 613-233-1510
Fax: 613-482-9436
Web site: igmaonline.org

Appendix A.
List of heating degree-days and ENERGY STAR zones. For
more locations, visit energystar.nrcan.gc.ca
British Columbia British Columbia (contd)
Location Heating Zone Location Heating Zone

degree-days degree-days
Abbotsford 2981 A Nanaimo 3056 A
Alert Bay 3459 A Osoyoos 3210 A
Atlin 6343 C Penticton 3431 A
Bella Coola 3689 B Port Alberni 3173 A
Castlegar 3678 B Port Hardy* 3552 A
Chilliwack 2833 A Powell River 3210 A
Comox 3083 A Prince George 5132 B
Cranbrook 4576 B Prince Rupert 3967 B
Dawson Creek 5981 C Quesnel 4742 B
Dease Lake 6845 C Revelstoke 4148 B
Estevan Point 3150 A Salmon Arm 4044 B
Fort Nelson 6836 C Sandspit 3531 B
Fort St. John 5847 C Smithers 5135 B
Golden 4886 B Squamish 3366 A
Hope 3057 A Stewart 4389 B
Kamloops 3571 B Summerland 3525 B
Kelowna 3869 B Terrace 4307 B
Lillooet 3493 A Tofino 3236 A
Lytton 3309 A Vancouver 2927 A
Mackenzie 5714 C Vernon 3820 B
McBride 4971 B Victoria 3041 A
Merritt 3994 B Whistler 4287 B
Merry Island 2726 A Williams Lake 5073 B
*This location has been placed in Zone A so that southwestern British Columbia can be one
continuous zone.

Alberta Saskatchewan

Banff 5473 B Assiniboia 5294 B
Calgary 5108 B Broadview 5892 C
Camrose 5603 C Buffalo Narrows 6312 C
Cold Lake 5970 C Collins Bay 8036 D
Coronation 5781 C Cree Lake 7434 C
Edmonton 5708 C Cypress Hills 5457 B
Edson 5645 C Estevan 5361 B
Fort Chipewyan 7295 C Eston 5573 C
Fort McMurray 6346 C Gravelbourg 5160 B

Kindersley 5595 C
Grande Prairie 5883 C
La Ronge 6671 C
High Level 7036 C
Leader 5238 B
High River 5194 B
Maple Creek 4755 B
Jasper 5374 B
Meadow Lake 6317 C
Lethbridge 4599 B
Melfort 6235 C
Lloydminster 5892 C
Moose Jaw 5276 B
Medicine Hat 4632 B
Moosomin 5721 C
Oyen 5305 B
Nipawin 6389 C
Peace River 6156 C
North Battleford 5930 C
Red Deer 5696 C
Prince Albert 6277 C
Rocky 5744 C
Mountain Regina 5659 C
House Rosetown 5625 C
Slave Lake 5974 C Saskatoon 5860 C
Whitecourt 5617 C Swift Current 5245 B
Uranium City 7857 C
Weyburn 5448 B
Wynyard 5971 C
Yorkton 6066 C

Manitoba Ontario (contd)

Brandon 5951 C Fort Erie 3789 B
Churchill 9073 D Fort Frances 5637 C
Dauphin 5940 C Geraldton 6496 C
Emerson 5514 C Gore Bay 4769 B
Flin Flon 6705 C Hagersville 3800 B
Gillam 8107 D Hamilton 4012 B
Gimli 6051 C Kapuskasing 6372 C
Island Lake 7023 C Kenora 5749 C
Lynn Lake 7794 C Kingston 4289 B
Norway House 6956 C Kirkland Lake 6048 C
Steinbach 5727 C Lansdowne
House 7087 C
Swan River 6083 C
London 4062 B
The Pas 6598 C
Manitouwadge 6121 C
Thompson 7743 C
Moosonee 7017 C
Winnipeg 5785 C
Muskoka 4883 B
Niagara Falls 3661 B
Ontario
North Bay 5295 B
Location Heating Zone Ottawa 4600 B
degree-days Petawawa 5178 B
Atikokan 6052 C Peterborough 4537 B
Big Trout Lake 7577 C Point Pelee 3565 B
Chapleau 5989 C Red Lake 6319 C
Cochrane 6411 C Sarnia 3882 B
Cornwall 4234 B Sault
Dryden 5912 C Ste. Marie 5052 B
Earlton 5837 C St. Catharines 3659 B

Ontario (contd) Quebec (contd)

Stratford 4210 B Nitchequon 8105 D
Sudbury 5344 B Qubec City 5202 B
Thunder Bay 5718 C Rimouski 5217 B
Timmins 6149 C Roberval 5821 C
Toronto 4066 B Sainte-Anne-
des-Monts 5514 C
Trenton 4222 B
Schefferville 8476 D
Wawa 5963 C
Sept-les 6277 C
Wiarton 4442 B
Sherbrooke 5151 B
Windsor 3525 B
Thetford Mines 5203 B
Val-d'Or 6213 C
Quebec
Location Heating Zone

degree-days New Brunswick
Bagotville 5793 C
Baie-Comeau 6014 C degree-days
Drummondville 4621 B Bathurst 5056 B
Gasp 5530 C Charlo 5469 B
Granby 4604 B Fredericton 4751 B
Inukjuak 9090 D Kouchibouguac 4865 B
Kuujjuaq 8644 D Miramichi 4970 B
Maniwaki 5321 B Moncton 4806 B
Mont-Joli 5478 B Saint John 4755 B
Montreal 4575 B Saint-Lonard 5457 B
Natashquan 6178 C

Nova Scotia Newfoundland and Labrador (contd)

Chticamp 4393 B Goose Bay 6787 C
Halifax 4367 B Nain 7653 C
Louisbourg 4588 B Port Saunders 5696 C
New Glasgow 4644 B Rocky Harbour 5269 B
Sable Island 3818 B Springdale 5382 B
Sydney 4618 B St. Anthony 6404 C
Yarmouth 4041 B St. John's 4882 B
Stephenville 4899 B
Wabush Lake 7838 C
Prince Edward Island

degree-days Yukon Territory
Charlottetown 4715 B Location Heating Zone

Summerside 4631 B degree-days
Beaver Creek 8580 D
Burwash Landing 7945 C
Newfoundland and Labrador
Dawson 8165 D
Location Heating Zone Faro 7334 C
degree-days
Mayo 7664 C
Baie Verte 5612 C
Old Crow 9761 D
Churchill Falls 7918 C
Pelly Ranch 7954 C
Corner Brook 4732 B
Teslin 6967 C
Deer Lake 5384 B
Watson Lake 7620 C
Gander 5198 B
Whitehorse 6811 C

Northwest Territories Nunavut

Cape Parry 10939 D Alert 13115 D
Fort Liard 7045 C Baker Lake 10860 D
Fort Reliance 8946 D Cambridge Bay 11818 D
Fort Simpson 7771 C Clyde River 11218 D
Fort Smith 7439 C Coral Harbour 10773 D
Hay River 7648 C Eureka 13732 D
Inuvik 9767 D Iqaluit 10117 D
Mould Bay 12945 D Resolute Bay 12526 D
Norman Wells 8615 D

Sachs Harbour 11442 D
Tuktoyaktuk 10414 D
Yellowknife 8267 D

NOTES
NOTES
NOTES
For additional copies of this or other free
publications on energy efficiency, contact:
Energy Publications
PO Box 9809 Station T
Ottawa ON K1G 6S1
Tel.: 1-800-387-2000 (toll-free)
Fax: 613-740-3114
Cat. No. M144-192/2011E (Print)

ISBN 978-1-100-18216-2
Cat. No. M144-192/2011E-PDF (On-line)
ISBN 978-1-100-18271-9
Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2011
For information regarding reproduction rights, contact Public Works and Government Services
Canada (PWGSC) at 613-996-6886 or at [email protected].
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Energy-Efficient
Residential Windows,
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Updated October 2010
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Cat. No. M144-192/2011E (Print)

Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2011

Aussi disponible en franais sous le titre :

Repair, improve or replace?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Types and styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Standards and certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Where can I obtain more information?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Appendix A. List of heating degree-day

Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights i

A properly installed new, energy-efficient product will

reduce your energy consumption and save you money

Todays high-performance windows, doors and skylights are far

Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights 1

The short answer is yes depending on the condition of your

How can I be sure I am purchasing an energy-efficient product?

Repair, improve or replace?

However, if your window, door or skylight is more than 25 years old, or if

2 Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights

Types and styles

Among operable products, hinged windows (casement, awning, hopper, tilt,

A tubular skylight can be used instead of the traditional flat-glazed or large

Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights 3

Vertical slider Vertical slider

Horizontal slider Horizontal slider Tilt and Turn

4 Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights

Sources of heat loss

Radiation Heat energy is absorbed by the window glass, then moves

Conduction Heat energy moves through solid materials such as

Convection Heat is lost through the movement of air near and in

While there is no way to completely eliminate heat loss through windows,

Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights 5

Sliding patio door

6 Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights

Glazing layers: A single-glazed product has one pane of glass; a double-

Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights 7

Spacer bars: Traditional aluminum-box spacer bars in IG units contribute to

Vacuum, aerogel and electrochromic glazing: These technologies are new to

8 Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights

Weatherstripping and hardware

Weatherstripping is used to create a seal between the frame and door or

Compression and magnetic seals provide superior airtightness. Casement,

Compression and sweep weatherstripping

Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights 9

Standards and certification

Currently, testing the energy performance of factory-built windows, doors

10 Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights

Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights 11

Type Least airtight Most airtight

Other ratings for windows

Type Minimum level Highest level

Other ratings for sliding glass doors

Type Minimum level Highest level

12 Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights

Performance grade Range of values

Products designed for single family homes, townhouses and low-rise

Certification ensures that the testing is done by an accredited laboratory

Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights 13

1. Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol in the showroom or on

14 Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights

Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights 15

16 Energy-Efficient Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights

1. double- or triple-glazing, with a sealed insulating glass unit