Window Selection Tool
Compare Annual Energy Cost
- Compare how various window or skylight types affect estimated energy cost for a typical house in your location;
- Find manufacturers who offer windows and skylights within the categories shown;
- Learn more about manufacturers' specific product options.
These comparisons assume average conditions. The effect of windows on your specific home's heating and cooling costs may vary depending on glazing area, shading, and orientation, but also on thermostat setpoints, equipment efficiency, etc.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to energy use, you may also want to consider the non-energy benefits of efficient windows, such as thermal comfort, condensation resistance, and reduced fading. The Multi Benefits Fact Sheet (PDF) discusses a combination of measurable benefits to assist window selection.
Since window selection may also depends on structural considerations such as wind load and forced entry resistance, AAMA and WDMA (see info to the right) offer structural performance certification for windows and skylights.
If you are looking for step-by-step guidance on choosing windows, you may want to start with the guidance sections for new or existing homes.
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American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA):
AAMA is the premier
source for performance standards, product certification and educational
programs. AAMA's over 250 members represent both the residential and
commercial window, door and skylight industry. The AAMA online Certified
Products Directory is
a resource for locating products to achieve air, water,
structural and forced entry resistance code compliance.
Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA):
WDMA is a trade association
representing approximately 145 U.S. and Canadian manufacturers and suppliers of
windows and doors for the domestic and export markets. WDMA members
manufacture high performance products designed and built to performance-based
standards.
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