High Performance R-5 Window Program Summary
The United States Department of Energy (US DOE) has successfully launched its “R5″ Program for High Performance Windows.
Here’s a summary of the program:
- R-5 windows are highly insulating windows with a whole-window R-value of 5 (a U-factor of around 0.2) and are the top tier of energy-efficient windows for cold and mixed climates available today
- Common ENERGY STAR windows only have an R-value of 3. Increasing the R-value from 3 to 5 reduces average heat loss through the windows by 40% and saves consumer money on energy bills.
- The principal barrier to widespread market commercialization of R-5 windows is cost. The Department of Energy is working with industry and potential buyers to lower cost and make these energy-efficient products more readily available.
For more information, you can visit the DOE websites at these two addresses:
http://www.windowsvolumepurchase.org
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/windowsvolumepurchase
