ENERGY STAR Window Specifications for Calgary Homes
Compare U-Factor, Energy Rating (ER), glass packages, frame profiles, and NRCan reference numbers for ENERGY STAR Canada window configurations offered by Winmax for Calgary’s cold, windy, and changing climate.
Direct Answer: How Do Window Energy Ratings and NRCan References Work?
Window energy ratings and NRCan reference numbers describe the tested performance of specific window configurations under Canadian standards. ENERGY STAR certification is verified through accredited third-party certification bodies. NRCan administers ENERGY STAR in Canada and provides product listings and reference numbers that help identify the tested configuration, U-Factor, Energy Rating, glass package, frame profile, and window style. For Calgary homeowners, these specifications help compare energy-efficient vinyl windows, double pane and triple pane glass options, and window styles before choosing a replacement window package.
On this page, Winmax lists performance data and NRCan reference numbers for common residential window configurations, including casement, awning, fixed, slider, and hung windows with 3-1/4 inch and 4-9/16 inch frame profiles.
Page Navigation
- Direct Answer: ENERGY STAR Window Specifications
- Understanding Window Energy Ratings
- Best Energy-Efficient Windows for Calgary Homes
- Are Triple Pane ENERGY STAR Windows Worth It in Calgary?
- How to Read the Specification Tables
- Complete Window Specification Tables with NRCan References
- Window Energy Ratings and NRCan References FAQ
- Request a Quote
Understanding Window Energy Ratings
Calgary’s climate demands windows that can perform through cold winters, wind exposure, strong sun, and seasonal temperature changes. These certified performance numbers help homeowners compare glass packages and window styles before choosing replacement windows.
U-Factor
U-Factor measures heat loss through the window in W/(m²·K). Lower is better. Triple pane configurations listed on this page reach as low as 0.75 in the supplied performance data.
Energy Rating (ER)
Energy Rating combines insulation, solar gain, and air leakage into one Canadian performance number. Higher is better. Configurations listed on this page reach up to ER 50 in the supplied performance data.
Certification and NRCan Listing
ENERGY STAR window performance is tested and verified through accredited certification bodies. NRCan administers ENERGY STAR in Canada, while NRCan reference numbers help identify listed product configurations for comparison.
Frame Profiles
The 3-1/4 inch and 4-9/16 inch measurements describe nominal frame depth. Frame depth should be selected for the wall and installation system; it does not automatically determine energy efficiency. Compare the exact certified configuration, U-Factor, ER, glass package, and installation requirements.
Best Energy-Efficient Windows for Calgary Homes
The best energy-efficient windows for Calgary homes are usually windows with a low U-Factor, strong Energy Rating, reliable air sealing, durable vinyl frames, and glass packages selected for cold winters and wind exposure.
Casement and awning windows are strong operating choices because they close tightly against compression seals. Fixed picture windows often deliver very strong efficiency because they do not open. Slider and hung windows are practical for many spaces, but homeowners should compare U-Factor, ER, frame depth, and glass package carefully.
For exposed elevations, bedrooms, living rooms, large glass areas, and homes where comfort matters, triple pane glass packages are often worth considering because they can reduce heat loss and improve indoor comfort during Alberta winters.
Are Triple Pane ENERGY STAR Windows Worth It in Calgary?
Triple pane ENERGY STAR window configurations can be worth considering for many Calgary homes because they can improve insulation, reduce heat loss, increase indoor comfort, and help reduce cold spots near glass during winter.
They are especially useful for homes exposed to wind, large glass openings, north-facing rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and areas where older windows feel cold or drafty. The tables below show how triple pane glass packages can deliver lower U-Factor values and higher Energy Ratings compared with many double pane configurations.
How to Read the Window Specification Tables
Use the tables below to compare window type, glass package, U-Factor, Energy Rating, and NRCan reference number.
Lower U-Factor = Better Insulation
A lower U-Factor means less heat is transferred through the window. This is especially important during Calgary’s cold winter months.
Higher ER = Better Overall Rating
Energy Rating helps compare overall performance. Higher ER values generally indicate stronger cold-climate performance.
Glass Codes Matter
Codes such as 180, I89, 272, and triple combinations describe Low-E coatings and glass-package design.
NRCan Reference Helps Identify the Model
Each NRCan reference number helps identify a listed window configuration in Canada’s ENERGY STAR product system. Confirm the exact current model, glass package, frame, and certification status before ordering.
Complete Window Specification Tables with NRCan References
U-Factor is expressed in W/(m²·K). ER = Energy Rating per CSA A440.2. Lower U-Factor and higher ER indicate better energy performance.
3-1/4 Inch Frame — Casement, Fix & Awning
NRCan Reference Data| Window Type | Glass Type | U-Factor | E.R. | NRCan Reference # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casement | ||||
| 3-1/4 Casement | 180/Clear | 1.47 | 34 | NR7033-48545755-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 Casement | 180/I89 | 1.30 | 35 | NR7033-48545756-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 Casement | 180/Clear/180 | 0.98 | 40 | NR7033-48545760-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 Casement | 180/180/I89 | 0.92 | 40 | NR7033-48545766-ES5 |
| Small Fix | ||||
| 3-1/4 Small Fix | 180/Clear | 1.50 | 42 | NR7033-48545846-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 Small Fix | 180/Clear/180 | 0.86 | 50 | NR7033-48545859-ES5 |
| Large Fix | ||||
| 3-1/4 Large Fix | 180/Clear | 1.45 | 39 | NR7033-48545796-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 Large Fix | 180/Clear/180 | 0.88 | 47 | NR7033-48545810-ES5 |
| Awning | ||||
| 3-1/4 Awning | 180/I89 | 1.29 | 35 | NR7033-48545715-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 Awning | 180/Clear/180 | 0.98 | 40 | NR7033-48545719-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 Awning | 180/180/I89 | 0.91 | 40 | NR7033-48545725-ES5 |
3-1/4 Inch Frame — Sliders & Hung
NRCan Reference Data| Window Type | Glass Type | U-Factor | E.R. | NRCan Reference # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Slider Tilt | ||||
| 3-1/4 S. Slider Tilt | 180/Clear | 1.63 | 34 | NR7033-47977398-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 S. Slider Tilt | 180/Clear/180 | 1.12 | 39 | NR7033-47977275-ES5 |
| Single Slider Lift | ||||
| 3-1/4 S. Slider Lift | 180/Clear | 1.61 | 34 | NR7033-47977396-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 S. Slider Lift | 180/Clear/180 | 1.11 | 40 | NR7033-47977256-ES5 |
| Single Hung | ||||
| 3-1/4 S. Hung | 180/Clear | 1.65 | 34 | NR7033-47977400-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 S. Hung | 180/180/I89 | 1.05 | 40 | NR7033-42031334-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 S. Hung | 272/272/I89 | 1.05 | 30 | NR7033-47977149-ES5 |
| Double Slider | ||||
| 3-1/4 D. Slider | 180/Clear | 1.62 | 34 | NR7033-47977397-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 D. Slider | 272/272/I89 | 1.05 | 30 | NR7033-47977150-ES5 |
| Double Slider Lift | ||||
| 3-1/4 D. Slider Lift | 180/I89 | 1.40 | 35 | NR7033-34949426-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 D. Slider Lift | 272/272/I89 | 1.04 | 29 | NR7033-47977137-ES5 |
| Double Hung | ||||
| 3-1/4 D. Hung | 180/I89 | 1.40 | 35 | NR7033-34949432-ES5 |
| 3-1/4 D. Hung | 272/272/I89 | 1.04 | 30 | NR7033-47977138-ES5 |
4-9/16 Inch Frame — Casement, Fix & Awning
NRCan Reference Data| Window Type | Glass Type | U-Factor | E.R. | NRCan Reference # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casement | ||||
| 4-9/16 Casement | 180/Clear | 1.45 | 34 | NR7033-37096468-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Casement | 180/I89 | 1.25 | 36 | NR7033-37096474-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Casement | Clear/Clear/180 | 1.10 | 39 | NR7033-37096489-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Casement | 180/Clear/180 | 0.90 | 41 | NR7033-37096498-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Casement | 180/180/I89 | 0.85 | 40 | NR7033-37096516-ES5 |
| Small Fix | ||||
| 4-9/16 Small Fix | 180/Clear | 1.50 | 41 | NR7033-37096354-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Small Fix | 180/I89 | 1.25 | 43 | NR7033-37096360-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Small Fix | Clear/Clear/180 | 1.10 | 46 | NR7033-37096375-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Small Fix | 180/Clear/180 | 0.85 | 49 | NR7033-37096384-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Small Fix | 180/180/I89 | 0.75 | 50 | NR7033-37096402-ES5 |
| Large Fix | ||||
| 4-9/16 Large Fix | 180/Clear | 1.45 | 39 | NR7033-37096411-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Large Fix | 180/I89 | 1.20 | 42 | NR7033-37096417-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Large Fix | Clear/Clear/180 | 1.10 | 44 | NR7033-37096432-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Large Fix | 180/Clear/180 | 0.85 | 47 | NR7033-37096441-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Large Fix | 180/180/I89 | 0.80 | 46 | NR7033-37096459-ES5 |
| Awning | ||||
| 4-9/16 Awning | 180/Clear | 1.45 | 34 | NR7033-37096525-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Awning | 180/I89 | 1.25 | 36 | NR7033-37096531-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Awning | Clear/Clear/180 | 1.10 | 39 | NR7033-37096546-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Awning | 180/Clear/180 | 0.90 | 41 | NR7033-37096555-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Awning | 180/180/I89 | 0.85 | 41 | NR7033-37096573-ES5 |
4-9/16 Inch Frame — Single Hung & Single Slider
NRCan Reference Data| Window Type | Glass Type | U-Factor | E.R. | NRCan Reference # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Hung | ||||
| 4-9/16 Single Hung | LowE180ESC/Clear | 1.57 | 36 | NR7033-47832697-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Single Hung | LowE180ESC/LowEI89 | 1.34 | 38 | NR7033-47832698-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Single Hung | LowE180ESC/Clear/Clear | 1.29 | 38 | NR7033-47832700-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Single Hung | LowE180ESC/Clear/LowE180ESC | 1.07 | 42 | NR7033-47832703-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Single Hung | LowE180ESC/LowE180ESC/LowEI89 | 0.98 | 42 | NR7033-47832709-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Single Hung | LowE272/Clear/LowE272 | 1.03 | 32 | NR7033-47832712-ES5 |
| Single Slider | ||||
| 4-9/16 Single Slider | LowE180ESC/Clear | 1.57 | 36 | NR7033-47832622-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Single Slider | LowE180ESC/LowEI89 | 1.34 | 38 | NR7033-47832623-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Single Slider | LowE180ESC/Clear/Clear | 1.28 | 39 | NR7033-47832625-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Single Slider | LowE180ESC/Clear/LowE180ESC | 1.07 | 42 | NR7033-47832628-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Single Slider | LowE180ESC/LowE180ESC/LowEI89 | 0.98 | 42 | NR7033-47832634-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 Single Slider | LowE272/Clear/LowE272 | 1.02 | 32 | NR7033-47832637-ES5 |
| Single Slider Lift Out | ||||
| 4-9/16 S. Slider Lift Out | LowE180ESC/Clear | 1.57 | 36 | NR7033-47832659-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 S. Slider Lift Out | LowE180ESC/LowEI89 | 1.34 | 38 | NR7033-47832660-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 S. Slider Lift Out | LowE180ESC/Clear/Clear | 1.28 | 39 | NR7033-47832662-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 S. Slider Lift Out | LowE180ESC/Clear/LowE180ESC | 1.07 | 41 | NR7033-47832665-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 S. Slider Lift Out | LowE180ESC/LowE180ESC/LowEI89 | 0.98 | 42 | NR7033-47832671-ES5 |
| 4-9/16 S. Slider Lift Out | LowE272/Clear/LowE272 | 1.02 | 42 | NR7033-47832674-ES5 |
Important verification note: U-Factor values are expressed in W/(m²·K), and Energy Rating (ER) is determined under the applicable Canadian fenestration rating standard. The tables reproduce configuration data supplied to Winmax. Before ordering, verify the exact current manufacturer, model, frame, glass package, NRCan reference number, ENERGY STAR listing status, and certification documentation. Product specifications and listings can change over time.
Window Energy Ratings and NRCan References FAQ
U-Factor measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping, expressed in W/(m²·K). A lower U-Factor means better insulation. For Calgary’s cold winters, homeowners often compare windows with U-Factor values under 1.0 for stronger cold-climate performance. Triple pane configurations listed on this page reach as low as 0.75 in the supplied performance data.
A higher Energy Rating generally indicates stronger overall performance. Under the current ENERGY STAR Canada Version 5.0 specification, a residential window or door may meet the energy-efficiency requirement with an ER of 34 or higher, or with a U-Factor of 1.22 W/(m²·K) or lower, together with applicable testing, certification, and air-leakage requirements. Compare the exact listed configuration rather than using ER alone.
An NRCan reference number helps identify a window configuration in Natural Resources Canada’s ENERGY STAR product system. ENERGY performance testing and certification are completed through accredited certification bodies, while NRCan administers ENERGY STAR in Canada. Always verify the exact current model, U-Factor, Energy Rating, frame type, glass package, and listing status.
The 3-1/4 inch and 4-9/16 inch measurements describe nominal frame depth. The correct depth depends on the wall, opening, installation method, and finishing requirements. A deeper frame does not automatically mean better efficiency, so compare the exact certified configuration and performance ratings.
These codes describe the glass package and Low-E coatings. 180 and LowE180ESC refer to Low-E coatings. I89 is a high-performance Low-E coating. 272 and LowE272 are often used for solar-control performance. Triple combinations describe triple pane units with multiple coated surfaces.
Triple pane windows can be worth it for many Calgary homes because they can reduce heat loss, improve comfort near glass, and help with cold spots during winter. They are especially useful for exposed elevations, larger glass areas, bedrooms, living rooms, and north-facing rooms.
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