Since Windsor is an ENERGY STAR Partner, we want to ensure all our distributors are aware of the upcoming changes to the ENERGY STAR Program. The ENERGY STAR qualification criteria for all zones will be affected in several ways. These changes are significant and far reaching. It is important to understand that ENERGY STAR is voluntary. It is not a code. However, the ENERGY STAR Guidelines tend to set the expectations for our industry. Because of the substantial impact on our customers, we want to summarize these changes and how they will affect us.
- The ENERGY STAR Zone Map is changing. The Northern Zone is expanding and as a result, the zones for the Southwestern tier of states – California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas – have been altered. There are also changes in other areas of the country. Please review the new map carefully for changes in your area.
- U-value & Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) requirements for each zone have changed. Windsor has glazing options that meet the criteria for all zones. Notice the Window Chart pictured below. For the Northern Zone, there are two levels that meet the qualifications: the Prescriptive and the Equivalent Energy Performance. Windsor's ENERGY STAR qualified options will meet the Prescriptive requirements of U-Value ≤ 0.30 and any SHGC.
- Doors now carry separate requirements from windows. Under the current guidelines, windows and doors must meet the same U-value & SHGC requirements by zone. For 2010, doors will have one requirement based on glazing style regardless of zone. See the Doors Chart below. All of Windsor's doors fall under the >1/2-lite requirements of U-value ≤ 0.32 and SHGC ≤ 0.30.
In order for our products to meet these more stringent requirements, we will be changing our standard glazing option to LoE 366. With LoE 366 as our standard, and in some instances, adding a second barrier of hard coat to the insulated glass, all Windsor products will have a glazing option that meets or exceeds the 2010 ENERGY STAR Requirements for all zones. These adaptations are the most efficient and cost effective way to meet these requirements.
Manufacturers can begin reporting to the new criteria and labeling requirements as early as January 1, 2010, with full conversion by April 1, 2010. Windsor will provide a central location on PowerTools for all information pertaining to our conversion to these ENERGY STAR Guidelines. Look for the button titled: ENERGY STAR Resource Center. You may also find additional information on the ENERGY STAR website: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_windows
