Double Hungs & Single Hungs | Sliders, Tilt-In Sliders, Single Sliders, & 3-Section Sliders | Casements & Awning Windows | Bay Windows | Bow Windows | Picture Windows | Garden Windows | Specialty Shapes | Patio Doors | Warranty | Energy Star

ENERGY STAR®:
Getting More For Your Money

Will I Be Able To Find The Style And Type Of Window I Want?

When choosing an ENERGY STAR® window or door made by Custom Siding and Gutter, you don't have to sacrifice comfort, versatility or style, as all Custom Siding and Gutter and doors are ENERGY STAR® approved.

What Other Advantages Can I Expect From An ENERGY STAR® Window?

Some home furnishings and décor can actually suffer a kind of sunburn when continuously exposed to too much daylight. The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause fading and degradation of many materials and dyes found in upholstery, carpet, artwork, wood or paint. Our exclusive Ultra-U glass, available for all Sunrise windows, can reduce harmful sun damage by up to 75%, giving greater protection to your interiors.

ENERGY STAR® windows, by virtue of their design, eliminate draftiness and resist condensation for greater comfort. A well-insulated window also diminishes sound transmission.

How Can I Get The Most Energy Efficient Product For My Climate?

ENERGY STAR® performance requirements for windows and doors are tailored to fit the energy needs of the country's different climate regions - Northern, North/Central, South/Central, and Southern. The ENERGY STAR® Climate Region Map gives you clear guidelines for determining which windows and doors will do the best job to help reduce heating and cooling costs in your region - and your home. Custom Siding and Gutter is one only a few window manufacturers approved to show the one-color Climate Region Map that indicates we are ENERGY STAR® qualified for all four regions.

What Is An NFRC Rating?

Any product that wants to be ENERGY STAR® qualified must be tested by an independant lab to determine the product's performance ratings. These ratings are reviewed by a branch of the Federal government called the NFRC (Nation Fenestration Rating Council), whose mission is to provide unbiased energy performance ratings for windows and doors (or "fenestration"). NFRC ratings provide the basis for the ENERGY STAR® window performance requirements. Just as an EPA sticker on a new car will give you a guideline to the car's fuel economy, the NFRC sticker, such as ours shown below, gives consistent ratings that can help homeowners determine both Winter and Summer performance characteristics. Look for low U-Factor and SHGC numbers for highest efficiency performance. As you compare brands, make sure the dealer or manufacturer can provide you with their NFRC ratings and ENERGY STAR® qualification.

Winter U-Factor: In the Winter, the lower a window's overall U-value, the less heat you will lose through that window. A lower U-value means you'll use less energy to heat your home, saving you more, since your furnace isn't running as much.

Summer Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): In the Summer, a lower SHGC means less solar radiation is admitted through your window. Your home will remain cooler and your air conditioner will not have to work as hard.

Visible Transmittance: Visible Transmittance (VT) measures how much light comes through a product. The higher the visible transmittance, the fewer tints there will be to the glass. A higher VT rate ensures a clearer piece of glass.

Air Leakage: The lower the number, the less drafts and air infiltration. The lowest number the government assigns is a .1 and Custom Siding and Gutter actually are even lower. Windows with an air leakage number above .3 fail this test.

Can Windows Save Energy?

In a typical house, over 40% of the annual energy budget is consumed by heating and cooling. Proper selection of windows and doors can significantly affect how much money we spend or save every year on keeping your homes bright and comfortable.

When you are investing hundreds or thousands of dollars on new windows or doors, you need to get the most for your money. A great way to find the right products for your home is too look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol. ENERGY STAR® labeled windows and doors are twice as efficient as the average window manufactured just ten years ago. These high performing products can help cut your heating and cooling costs, make your home more comfortable and help the environment too. Here are some thoughts to consider when looking for an energy efficient window.

What Features make The ENERGY STAR® Window A Good Buy?

New materials, coatings, design and construction features, as well as other innovations, make ENERGY STAR® labeled windows a cost-effective investment. ENERGY STAR® labeled windows and doors are 40% more efficient than products required under the most common national building codes. This means you'll be using less energy to heat and cool your home all year, resulting in lower utility bills. There are also environmental benefits associated with choosing ENERGY STAR® labeled windows and other products. Most energy is produced by burning fossil fuels in large power plants. When we use energy more efficiently in our homes and businesses, we also help reduce air pollution.