The Importance of Windows in Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficient Windows

When building or renovating a home, choosing the right windows for the project is a major decision that can impact both the design and curbside value of the property overall. This is why most homeowners focus on the aesthetic aspect of their windows and doors when selecting new products for their home. While looks are definitely important, performance should also be a key consideration in this decision.  This is because there is a significant correlation between a property’s windows and its energy efficiency and consumption. 

Thermal Holes

Semi Open Tilt and Turn WIndow

Standard windows can actually be “thermal holes,” causing a structure to lose up to 30% of its heating or cooling energy. Usually you can actually feel the impact of poor quality windows in a space especially if you have ineffective or non-existent insulation around the window framing. The entire area will get drafty, almost like the window is open, which can be particularly frustrating come wintertime. This is why, having good, reliable windows is so important to the overall livability of your home. Furthermore, your window selection can have a huge impact on utility bills and switching to high-performance windows will create a noticeable difference in monthly heating and cooling expenses. 

These “thermal holes” are also the reason why the installation of quality, efficient windows is one of the most important components in creating an energy-efficient building. If you are environmentally focused and your goal is to build a truly ecologically friendly home, then you need to start with a high-performance window. Windows play a huge role in reducing CO2 emissions and preventing energy waste. In fact, window selection is one of the highest weighted elements in achieving Passive House Certified ratings.   

What is a Passive House?

The term “Passiv House” or “Passive House” refers to a rigorous standard for energy efficiency in buildings. This standard, recognized in countries worldwide, is viewed as the pinnacle of truly energy efficient and ecological architecture.The passive house voluntary standard for energy efficiency results in low energy homes that require little energy for heating and cooling the interior.

Our PHC (Passive House Certified) Windows are engineered to have a fine balance between solar heat gain and heat loss that help homeowners, architects and energy advisors meet building regulations and accomplish the lowest energy consumption possible for their projects. 

Other Advantages of Energy Efficient Windows

Closed Egress Window

Besides reducing energy consumption, there are other advantages to installing energy-efficient windows:

  • Greater durability
  • Minimal condensation
  •  Interior temperature control
  • Increased comfort
  • Improved air quality
  • Cost savings

Staying Ahead of the Curve

As standards in energy efficiency increase, homeowners want to ensure their windows and doors are up to the highest level of effectiveness to ensure their home can continue to be ranked as Passive House or Step Code compliant over time. At EuroLine Windows we are dedicated to energy-efficiency and product development. Our products already can achieve the highest rating of Energy Step Codes, exceeding the current standard for Step Code compliance in B.C, and we continue to push the envelope when it comes to manufacturing a high-performance product.

For more information on Passive House standards, Step Code compliance, and the role of windows in energy efficiency in general, please contact one of our window consultants.

Everything You Need to Know About B.C. Government Window Rebates

B.C Window Rebates

Looking to replace your drafty windows with new energy-efficient ones? There’s never been a better time to do it! Not only will you reap the rewards of lower energy bills and lessening your carbon footprint on the environment, but you’ll also be rewarded financially by the government of British Columbia. We’ve created the simple guide below to help you understand everything you need to know about B.C. government window rebates before investing in your home:

What are B.C. government window rebates?

With the Better Homes Rebate Program, those who install new energy-efficient windows and doors may be eligible to receive a rebate for their efforts. Unlike the previous rebate programs, where you had to install triple-pane varieties to qualify, the current program makes receiving a rebate much more achievable with basic glass upgrades. 

What are the benefits of applying for window rebates?

In 2020, you can receive up to $2000 in rebates for installing energy-efficient windows and doors or up to $100 per window or door and up to 20 windows/doors per Tier. 

Rebate Tiers

  1. Tier 1 windows/ doors: $50 per window/door (maximum $1,000). Just a note, tier 1 window and door rebates are not available in the City of Vancouver.
  2. Tier 2 windows/doors: $100 per window/door (maximum $2,000)

Your current windows or exterior doors must be replaced with program qualified products. Additionally, this upgrade will count towards an additional Two Upgrade Bonus or the Home Energy Improvement Bonus.

Who is eligible?

Make sure your property and your choice of new windows and doors are eligible for the rebate with the following guidelines:

  • The invoice date for the installed windows and doors must be on or after January 01, 2020. If your invoice is dated before this date, see the “Other” section below for FAQs on what rebates are available to you.
  • Your upgrades must be installed by a licensed contractor with a valid BC business license for the trade applicable to the installation work.
  • You must have a residential utility account with FortisBC, BC Hydro, or a municipal utility.
  • Your home must be primarily heated with:
    • Natural Gas or piped propane supplied by FortisBC
    • Natural Gas supplied by Pacific Northern Gas
    • Electricity supplied by FortisBC, BC Hydro, or a municipal utility.
    • Oil or propane not supplied by FortisBC
  • Premises primarily heated by wood or other solid fuels are not eligible.
  • You must live in an eligible home.
  • The home must have a minimum of 12 months of consecutive utility billing history.

Is there a deadline or time limit for applying for the rebates?

Government funds for the window and door rebates are limited, so you’ll need to have your new window and/or door install completed and submit your rebate application before funds run out. Additionally, you’ll want to keep the following deadlines in mind:

  • The application form for individual upgrades must be submitted within 6 months of the invoice date of the upgrade.
  • The application form for the Two Upgrade Bonus must be submitted within 6 months of the second bonus-eligible upgrade. You must complete your second bonus-eligible upgrade within 18 months of the invoice date of the first bonus-eligible upgrade.
  • The application form for the Home Energy Improvement Bonus and EnerGuide Home Evaluation Rebate must be submitted within 6 months of the date of your post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation. 
  • You must complete your post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation within 18 months of your pre-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation.

Things you’ll need when applying for your rebate

  • Assessment records & files, including your pre-upgrade assessment and recommended upgrades, and a detailed list of completed work. 
  • All original receipts and window product model numbers.
  • Retailer invoices reflecting a detailed accounting of the number of windows installed, the window types, the window manufacturers, and the date of the installation. 
  • Proof of 12 consecutive months of energy bills from your energy provider. 

How do I apply for the window rebates?

  • To apply for your rebate, click HERE – Remember, you have 6 months from the date of your invoice to apply for the rebates. 
  • For more information on the B.C. Window rebate, visit betterhomesbc.ca.

If you would like to learn more about EuroLine Windows energy efficient products message our high-performance window team or give us a call at 1-800-337-8604.