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Grant Update - The Greener Homes Initiative

Canada Greener Homes Initiative
Are you tired of high energy bills and feeling guilty about your carbon footprint? Well, the Canadian government is here to help! They're on a mission to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the country, and they're offering some amazing advice and incentives to qualifying homeowners.

CDN Energy Star climate zones (as of 2022)

Canada Window Energy Star climate zones for windows
Even though windows do not consume energy, they can be a significant source of heat loss in a home. ENERGY STAR qualified windows will save you money by reducing the overall annual energy costs. ENERGY STAR windows will also help keep your home more comfortable all-year-round and may have less condensation in cold weather compared with a conventional non-certified product.

Energy Star ratings - whats all the fuss about?

The higher the ER rating number, the more energy-efficient the window or door.
Although windows and doors do not consume energy, they can be a significant source of energy loss. If you are buying windows with energy efficiency in mind, then the ER will help you make standardized window product comparisons.

What is an R-value?

Move over, traditional window specs - the R-value is taking over the world of window sales! This rating, which has been around for a while, is becoming increasingly popular as a measurement of window efficiency. But why the sudden surge in popularity? Keep reading to find out.

What is a U-factor?

The lower the U-value, the better the window is at keeping the heat in during the winter and the better it insulates
In Ottawa, our windows lose heat to the outside during the colder months and gain heat from the outside during the warmer months. U-factors allow consumers to compare the insulating properties of different window products in order to optimize home comfort.

What is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient?

the higher the SHGC, the number, the greater the solar gain
Let the sun shine in, or not. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measurement can help you achieve a desired increase or decrease in the amount of solar radiation (heat) passing through a window into your home.

What is visual transmittance?

Understanding Visible Light Transmittance
The amount of light you let into your home is a matter of personal taste. When replacing your windows, understanding the VT will help you get it right.

What is Low-e Glass?

LoE-glass-the-basics
LoE glass, also known as Low-emissivity glass or low-E glass, is a glass with properties that reflect radiant heat, thus potentially improving the thermal efficiency of a window. Emissivity is a measure of how much a glass surface transfers radiant heat through it.

Energy efficiency - breaking down energy ratings

Energy Rating Example
Navigating window and glass ratings can be perplexing, as higher numbers are preferred in some cases while lower numbers are preferred in others. To assist you, here are some helpful tips.

Keeping your energy costs down and comfort level up

Window Optimization - Maximizing comfort and energy efficiency
Windows provide light, warmth and ventilation, but they also decrease home energy-efficiency and can affect the comfort in your home. Choosing the right glass option will allow you to find a balance between energy costs and the desired level of home comfort.