Recently my wife and I decided that it was time we did something to reduce our energy costs. My first thought was that we should reduce indoor temperature loss. Since the majority of temperature loss occurs through windows and doors, I began to research our options.
As a retired engineer with meteorological equipment experience, I decided to examine the technical specifications and insulating properties of several prominent manufacturers’ windows. I was going to consider ‘Window City’, but their windows are not CSA approved.
The three remaining window companies I chose were ‘North Star’, ‘VWD’, and ‘Enersave’. All manufacturers were Ontario companies, which is important to me.
Although all three window manufacturers are in the top of their league in the industry, my research confirmed that the Enersave window was, in my professional opinion, the leader overall.
I researched all three window manufacturers’ technical specifications including vinyl, glass, spacer bar, and all relevant features. Only the Enersave vinyl window was a polyresin 3 formulation which provided a natural white colour. The Enersave glass came with the highly desirable “Simply Clean” feature not available on the other companies’ windows. The Enersave sealed units also had the highest R value and together with the Super Spacer – warm edge technology, the Enersave met all CSA, M90-2, Energy Star, and Window Wise certifications with Window Wise registration far exceeding the other two companies. Only two of the three companies (North Star & Enersave) provide interior glazed windows.
The Enersave windows are only glazed from the interior which gives extra security.
The bevelled edge stops complimented the finished product’s appearance.
For these reasons, my wife and I decided to order from Consumer’s Choice Home Improvements, who promote Enersave products.
We have now had Enerave windows installed in our home. Further to my technical investigation, I now understand and appreciate the utmost importance of having new windows installed by Window Wise certified installers.
I am not sorry that I researched the products to the level I did.
Meanwhile, the outcome is beautiful and our air conditioning costs have reduced significantly over this last summer.
Following this winter, I will update my report to Home Stars with any news regarding heating costs.
Now that I am retired, I have the time to do this! I enjoy research, and if it helps any other individual to save energy, I am, in my small way, making a contribution.
