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ENERGY STAR® is a government-endorsed organization that identifies the most energy efficient products in a variety of industries, including the window replacement industry.
In any given industry, only the top 15 to 30 percent of products, in terms of energy efficiency, meet the rigorous, high standards held by ENERGY STAR®.
In the replacement window industry, if a product displays the ENERGY STAR® symbol, it proves the product has surpassed standards based on a heat-loss test, and/or an air leakage test, in conjunction with an analysis of its potential solar gain.
To put it simply, if a product loses heat at a slow rate, minimizes air leakage, and has a high potential for solar gains, the consumer will likely enjoy substantial savings as a result of lower energy bills.
In the window industry specifically, a company must have its windows tested by an accredited third party in order to receive consideration for ENERGY STAR® certification.
Any product that is legitimately ENERGY STAR® certified will be listed on the Natural Resources Canada website, in the ENERGY STAR® section.
Because there are two forms of testing that must be conducted (physical and thermal), if an accredited testing party does not perform both of these tests in-house, there may be room for deceit.
For example, a window producer may submit window ‘X’ to a physical testing centre. If window ‘X’ passes the physical test, the window producer can take that window back to the factory and make changes to the window before submitting it to the thermal testing centre. If that window passes the thermal testing, it will become ENERGY STAR® certified, even though it was tampered with throughout the testing process.
A customer should only buy ENERGY STAR® certified products that are certified by reputable, accredited third parties that conduct regular audits, and test products in-house with several different methods.
CSA Group is a company that meets these specifications. CSA Group conducts two types of tests in-house to determine the energy efficiency of windows: physical and thermal tests. Physical tests require hands-on air, water, and structural evaluations; thermal tests are completed by technological simulation. By conducting both of these tests internally, and auditing regularly, CSA Group has become one of the most reputable & reliable organizations in its field.
On February 1, 2015, ENERGY STAR® updated its evaluative criteria for the window industry, resulting in the number of ENERGY STAR® certified window products to decrease by approximately 54%.
And before you ask – yes, Clera Windows + Doors is still featured, and continues to be ENERGY STAR® certified!
The U-factor is the rate at which a window loses heat – the lower the number, the slower the heat loss. ER is a formula that considers the U-factor (heat loss), air leakage, and the benefit of potential solar gains of a window – the higher the value, the higher the potential for energy savings.
Low-E glass means a special coating was applied to the glass to improve energy efficiency. Windows installed in Canada should have a low U-factor coupled with a very high solar heat gain co-efficient. This combines with insulating properties for year-round energy savings!
Learn more about our vinyl windows and exterior door systems by visiting our Information Centre!
Or check out our Support and FAQ pages for specific information regarding particular glass types & maintenance.
We recently had our sliding patio doors replaced with garden doors with interior blinds. We have received so many compliments on our doors. Mike and his crew (Mike and Anthony) are very friendly and professional. It was a pleasure having them in our home. The installation was seamless and clean. They already have someone who will be ordering from them, after seeing these doors at our place. I'm sure there will be more to come. Thanks guys!
Reviewer: Maria Novielli
out of 5 stars
I have nothing but good things to say about the services I have received from Clera. About 4 years ago I purchased a new front door from Clera. The salesperson was knowledgeable and understood what I was looking for. When it came time for installation, the installers were professional and friendly. They discovered a small dent in the door at the bottom and told me that they had ordered a new door . This was done before my final inspection. Based on this experience, I had new windows replaced in a rental home in Kingston. This salesperson was also very knowledgeable and took the time to help us. He even inspected other windows and told us which ones did not need to be replaced. More recently, I have purchased two new windows for my own home in Ottawa and have been equally pleased with the service, quality of workmanship and the windows themselves. I always recommend Clera to anyone that I know who are looking for windows or doors.
Reviewer: Tammy Yazbeck
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent! We have loved our dealings with Clera. Rod was amazing in listening and understanding the look we were trying to achieve and then suggesting products with the appropriate features. The windows were delivered within the expected delivery time frame. The installation was done quickly and the crew was very professional and accommodating. The windows we had install have made the house much brighter. The doors we had install feel very solid, despite both presently unique challenges. Clera's quote wasn't the cheapest quote we had but their price was certainly competitive and the results have been well worth the money.
Reviewer: Eric Tang
5 out of 5 stars