Windows allow natural light and fresh air to enter our houses, provide a view to the outdoors and can serve as vital emergency exits. But windows can also be responsible for unnecessary heat loss, high energy consumption and cold drafts, and can be subject to condensation problems.

This fact sheet explains how you can help ensure that these problems are kept to a minimum by improving the energy efficiency and performance of your windows using products that are available at your local hardware or building supply store. Improving the energy efficiency of your home’s windows can substantially reduce your home’s energy use, cut your heating and cooling costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

Energy-efficient windows will:

Increase your comfort – Energy-efficient windows reduce cold drafts and make a house feel warmer during the heating season.

Help control condensation – The interior surfaces of energy-efficient windows stay warmer, which means you can maintain a higher level of relative humidity without worrying about condensation on the windows (keep in mind that efficiency improvements to windows will not prevent condensation if the humidity level in your house is too high).

Save you money – Minimizing air leakage and improving the thermal performance of your windows, by adding interior storm windows, for example, could improve their energy efficiency by up to 50 percent and reduce your energy bills.

ENERGY STAR Qualified Windows and Doors

If you are thinking of buying new windows or doors, consider buying ones that are ENERGY STAR qualified for the area where you live. These products are among the most energy efficient on the market and have been certified for their energy performance. For more information, visit the ENERGY STAR Web site at www.energystar.gc.ca or call 1 800 387-2000.