When you decide it's time to replace your home's old, drafty windows, energy efficiency is likely at the top of your priority list. You want to know that your investment will lead to a more comfortable home and potentially lower energy bills. This often leads to a key question: Are all Renewal by Andersen® replacement windows energy-efficient? The simple answer is that energy efficiency isn't a one-size-fits-all feature. A window that is perfect for a home in Phoenix might not be the best choice for a home in Denver.
The truth is, Renewal by Andersen offers a wide range of windows, and their energy efficiency depends on matching the right combination of frame, glass, and coatings to your specific home and climate. While we offer configurations that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® standards in every region we serve, not every window we make is automatically the most efficient choice for every location. Let's break down what that means for your window replacement project.
How is Window Energy Efficiency Measured?
To understand if a window is energy-efficient, you first need to know how performance is measured. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) provides a standardized rating system, and you'll find their label on every reputable manufacturer's window. This label gives you two crucial metrics for evaluating how a window will perform in your home:
- U-Factor: This measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping. The lower the U-Factor, the better the window is at keeping your home warm during the winter.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): This measures how much of the sun's heat a window blocks. For homeowners in warm climates like Arizona and Texas, a low SHGC is essential to keep unwanted solar heat out.
It's important to look at the "whole-window" rating, not just the "center-of-glass" number, as it accounts for the performance of the entire unit—the glass, the frame, and the spacers.
What are the ENERGY STAR® Climate Zones and Why Do They Matter?
The ENERGY STAR® program divides the country into four climate zones: Northern, North-Central, South-Central, and Southern. Because these requirements are so specific, not every Renewal by Andersen window configuration will meet ENERGY STAR® standards in every zone. That’s why our Project Consultants work with you to select the right product for your home and your climate.
- Northern Zone (e.g., Denver, Connecticut, Rhode Island): Prioritizes keeping heat in with very low U-Factors.
- North-Central Zone (e.g., Dallas, Oklahoma City): Balances winter U-Factors with moderate SHGC for summer heat.
- South-Central Zone (e.g., Austin, San Antonio): Focuses on low SHGC to reduce cooling costs.
- Southern Zone (e.g., Phoenix, Tucson): Requires the lowest possible SHGC for extreme cooling needs.
How Do Glass Coatings Improve Energy Efficiency?
The glass is the most critical component for energy performance. Renewal by Andersen offers several advanced glass options engineered with special Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings.
Our standard offering is High-Performance Low-E4® glass, which is up to 56% more energy-efficient in summer and 45% more energy-efficient in winter compared to ordinary dual-pane glass. In colder regions like Colorado and New England, we recommend this High-Performance Low-E4® glass package because it provides an exceptional thermal barrier that reflects heat back into your home during the winter months, significantly reducing your heating costs.
For homes in intensely sunny climates like Arizona and Texas, we offer High-Performance Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass. This blocks 95% of harmful UV rays and significantly reduces solar heat gain, helping to lower cooling costs without sacrificing natural light.
Does the Window Frame Material Affect Energy Efficiency?
Yes, the frame material plays a significant role. Renewal by Andersen windows are made with our exclusive Fibrex® composite material. It has excellent insulating properties and is far more durable than vinyl, resisting the expansion and contraction that can lead to seal failure in climates with extreme temperature swings.
How Important is Professional Installation for Energy Efficiency?
Even the most advanced window will fail to perform if it's not installed correctly. Research shows that improper installation can reduce a window's thermal performance by 20-30%. This is why our start-to-finish process is so important. Your replacement windows are installed by our own Certified Master Installers, who are trained to handle the specific challenges of our local climates, ensuring your windows are installed for optimal, long-lasting performance.
So, Are All Renewal by Andersen® Windows Energy-Efficient?
While Renewal by Andersen manufactures a wide portfolio of windows, "energy-efficient" truly means finding the right window for your specific home. Not every window configuration meets the stringent ENERGY STAR® Version 7.0 requirements for every climate zone.
However, Renewal by Andersen absolutely offers window and glass combinations that can meet and even exceed the highest ENERGY STAR® "Most Efficient" standards in every single climate zone we serve. By matching the right product line, glass coatings, and professional installation to your home, you can be confident that your window replacement project will result in beautiful, durable, and truly energy-efficient windows.
To learn more about the best options for your home, schedule a free, in-home consultation with one of our Project Consultants today.
