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One critical date that windows and door manufacturers need to know this year is October 23, 2023: the day that fenestration products need to comply with the new criteria for Energy Star V7.0. Read on to learn more about this important new standard update and what means for your business.

What is Energy Star V7.0?

Energy Star 7 specification addresses energy performances for Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights (WDS). The updated criteria will go into effect on October 23, 2023; eligible products are able to receive early certification starting immediately. All current products have until April 23, 2023, to be certified to Energy Star 6.0; after that date, all products must meet the version 7.0 criteria. Depending on their region of installation, the qualifying windows, doors, and skylights, will have to bear a certain degree of heat flow (U-factor) out of the house – lower in the Northern zones while less concerning in Southern zones where focus shifts to solar heat gain coefficients instead.

Doug Anderson, EPA – Program Manager for windows, doors, and skylights, was asked to address key changes regarding the new requirement, where he explained that the EPA’s most significant change is in the subcategory of doors, by making a modest adjustment to the requirement. The change moved the criteria from = 0.25 to = 0.26, allowing a greater number of > ½-Lite doors to qualify.

There were other concerns from stakeholders that the deadline was too soon, and a request was made for a January 2024 deadline. The EPA recognized that most leadership products were already meeting the new criteria, therefore the effective date will remain on October 23, 2023. See this link for information on the Energy Star V7.0 revision.

What does Energy Star V7.0 mean for manufacturers?

A big selling point for manufacturers will be the projected energy savings to consumers. For a $33 billion dollar industry, sales will rely heavily on a product's certification to the Energy Star requirements. Manufacturers will also consider how their products affect the environment.

Anderson expanded on the benefits to the environment and consumers by suggesting that if all residential windows and doors were certified to meet the new Energy Star requirements, the cost savings could be upwards of $156 billion each year. He also states that the levels of greenhouse gas emissions would decrease by fifty-three billion pounds.

Frequent questions Element has addressed on Energy Star V7.0:

Q: What if my product already meets the new regulation criteria for Energy Star V7.0?
A: You can immediately have your material certified by an Element Laboratory. Contact us today to certify your products.

Q: Will my materials currently in production be certified to the current V6.0 criteria?
A: Material must be submitted for certification by April 23, 2023. Talk to an Element expert to learn more and schedule your materials certification.

Q: I am currently in development for a new product coming out in Q2 or Q3 of 2023. What certification will I need?
A: As of October 23, 2023, all residential products must be certified to V7.0 requirements. Speak with an expert today to discuss your new product and plan for a smooth certification process to avoid delays.

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The time to plan for your material’s testing strategy is now. Whether you are using triple pane glass or a revolutionary vinyl system, Element provides complete consultation and testing programs for all your fenestration products. Find out more about our fenestration testing services.