Looking to buy new windows and doors? Ours include insulated glass units that are double glazed (double pane). A double-pane window or door consists of two panes of glass, outside and inside.
We recommend LowE3 performance glass with Argon gas (LE3/Ar) for the most energy efficient glass, especially if you want to qualify for California's Energy Code, Title 24 and or ENERGY STAR®.
California's Energy Code, Title 24
Title 24, California's building energy efficiency standards are designed to reduce wasteful, uneconomic, inefficient or unnecessary consumption of energy, and enhance outdoor and indoor environmental quality. The standards are adopted into the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6. They apply to newly constructed buildings and additions and alterations to existing buildings.
For single-family buildings, the maximum fenestration U-factor required prescriptively for all climate zones is 0.30, and the maximum SHGC is 0.23 for residences in Climate Zones 2, 4, and 6 through 15. Homes constructed in Climate Zones 1, 3, 5, and 16 have no SHGC requirements. For additional information, see California's energy code.
The following single-family Title 24 requirements for maximum U-Value and SHGC are prescriptive. The maximum fenestration area for all zones is 20%. (See the Crystal Pacific 'Limitations & Performance' data sheet for U-Values and SHGC.)
| Climate Zone | U-Value | SHGC |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 3, 5, 16 | 0.30 | NR |
| 2, 4, 6-15 | 0.30 | 0.23 |
Energy Star®
ENERGY STAR® windows and doors must have NFRC certified U-Factor and, where applicable, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings at levels which meet or exceed the minimum qualification criteria specified in the following tables.
Windows and doors must meet the criteria for a given ENERGY STAR® Climate Zone. Find the ENERGY STAR® climate zone for your location.