U.S. ENERGY STAR 7.0
Guidance for Windows
The ENERGY STAR 7.0 specification represents a significant update to EPA standards. ENERGY STAR-certified products will need to meet even more stringent U-factor and SHGC requirements than before.
Window and door manufacturers can now prepare their product lines to meet the new certification standards. This document provides general guidance to select the right insulating glass and LoĒ glass coatings to meet the new criteria.
What’s New
Effective date: October 23, 2023
Each of the four climate zones have updated boundaries
More stringent U-factor and SHGC requirements across all climate zones
New ENERGY STAR 7.0 Climate Zones
NORTHERN
NORTH-CENTRAL
SOUTH-CENTRAL
SOUTHERN
For a detailed list of county zone assignments, see the ENERGY STAR website.
ENERGY STAR 7.0 Requirements for Windows
| Climate Zone | U-Factor | SHGC |
|---|---|---|
| Northern | ≤ 0.22 | ≥ 0.17 |
| = 0.23 | ≥ 0.35 | |
| = 0.24 | ||
| = 0.25 | ≥ 0.40 | |
| = 0.26 | ||
| North-Central | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.40 |
| South-Central | ≤ 0.28 | ≤ 0.23 |
| Southern | ≤ 0.32 | ≤ 0.23 |
| Prescriptive |
|---|
| Equivalent Energy Performance |
For the Northern zone, a manufacturer can choose ‘equivalent energy performance’ criteria which should match the annual energy performance of the ‘prescriptive’ criteria. This offers more flexibility in window selection.
Cardinal’s Product Selection Tool
The following table describes the LoĒ coatings and IG configurations that could meet the new criteria. This information assumes that the IG unit is configured with an energy-efficient window frame and is properly installed. Connect the LoĒ coated glass on the left with the correct climate zone column. Examples here use 3mm glass with a stainless steel spacer and argon gas fill.
Only need a 2-pane IG unit with the specified LoĒ coating.
Need a 2-pane IG with LoĒ coating and room-side LoĒ-i89.
Need a 3-pane IG unit with the specified LoĒ coating.
This configuration cannot be used for ENERGY STAR 7.0.
| Northern | North Central | South Central | Southern | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prescriptive | Equivalent Energy Performance | Prescriptive | ||||||
| U-Factor | ≤ 0.22 | = 0.23 | = 0.24 | = 0.25 | = 0.26 | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.28 | ≤ 0.32 |
| SHGC | ≥ 0.17 | ≥ 0.35 | ≥ 0.35 | ≥ 0.40 | ≥ 0.40 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.23 | ≤ 0.23 |
| Quad LoĒ-452+ | |
|
|
|
|
2p i89 | 2 Pane | 2 Pane |
| LoĒ³-366 | 3 Pane | |
|
|
|
2p i89 | 2 Pane | 2 Pane |
| LoĒ³-340 | |
|
|
|
|
2p i89 | 2 Pane | 2 Pane |
| LoĒ²-240 | |
|
|
|
|
2p i89 | 2p i89 | 2 Pane |
| LoĒ²-270 | 3 Pane | |
|
|
|
2p i89 | |
|
| LoĒ²-272 | 3 Pane | |
|
|
|
2p i89 | |
|
| LoĒ-180 | 3 Pane | 3 Pane | 3 Pane | 2p i89 | 2p i89 | |
|
|
We’re Here to Help
When using this data, keep in mind that the entire window assembly, including the frame, sash, decorative bars, and other hardware can influence the overall performance numbers.
This document will be updated periodically to reflect any adjustments to Cardinal’s product lines.
Additional questions from window and door manufacturers can be provided through Cardinal CG Technical Services or your sales representative.
Page Updated: 05/16/2023
