The Ontario Green Energy Act, which has been in place since 2009, now has an update regarding energy efficiency requirements for windows. The change started to take effect 1 January 2013, but the requirements for windows will not take effect until 1 January 2014, according to Fenestration Canada, which is presently working on the update.
Fenestration Canada is working on an update to The Ontario Green Energy Act, which has been in place since 2009. The update includes energy efficiency requirements for windows – doors and skylights are not included at this time. The change started to take effect 1 January 2013, but the requirements for windows will not take effect until 1 January 2014, according to the association.
Requirements of the programme that apply to residential windows only include basement windows that incorporate a load-bearing structural frame, where the window must be double-glazed with a low-E coating. For all other windows, U-factor ≤ 2.0 W/(m²C) or an energy rating ≥ 17. The windows must be certified and labelled to CSA A440.2 or NFRC (thermal certification only).
Excluded products include: decorative windows that have stained glass panels, iron inserts or blinds contained in a sealed insulating glass unit; heritage replacement windows intended to be installed in a heritage building; glazing replacements in an existing sash or frame, if the U-factor of the replacement glazing is equal to or less than the U-factor of the original glazing; decorative sidelights for doors; windows that are designed for a specific building; and windows that fall outside the scope of the certification programmes for CSA or NFRC.
According to the association’s announcement, “These requirements are not as strict as the building code requirement, but it does mean that all windows sold in Ontario will have to be certified to CSA A440.2 or NFRC”.