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Efficiency & air quality
Energy efficient replacement windows & doors
3 ways windows impact energy efficiency
Air leaks
Over time, expansion and contraction can cause seals to fail. This leads to leaks that let outside air in and climate-controlled air out.
Thermal conduction
Both the material and glass panes used to build your windows can compromise your comfort by allowing heat and cold to pass through.
UV ray penetration
UV rays often bring unwanted heat into your home — known as solar heat gain. The right windows will invite daylight in while blocking solar heat.
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The energy efficient difference
5k
Ultrex® fiberglass is 5,000x less conductive than aluminum
Materials like fiberglass help insulate your home, retaining more heat in the winter and helping you stay cooler in the summer.
70%
Low E3 glass improves energy efficiency by up to 70%
In summer months, the metallic coating on Low E3 glass reflects UV rays to keep solar heat out, so you can reduce reliance on A/C.
Understanding energy efficiency ratings
At Infinity by Marvin, our windows and patio doors are independently tested and certified for energy performance. Certification requirements vary by region, so you can trust that your products are built to handle your local climate.
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is the leader in energy performance information and certified ratings for windows, doors, and skylights. An NFRC label helps you compare energy-efficient windows and doors by providing you with energy performance ratings in multiple categories. They demonstrate energy code compliance for your specific climate zone.
NFRC Certified Products include labels showing U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Visible Transmittance (VT), air leakage, and condensation resistance. Marvin can provide NFRC labels for Infinity products, and an Infinity consultant can help you determine the best options for your local climate.
When you're shopping for windows or doors, look for the ENERGY STAR label. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is the trusted organization that objectively certifies these products for energy efficiency based on standardized, third-party testing. These independent ratings make it easy to know which options can help lower your energy bills and reduce your home's environmental impact. If a product is ENERGY STAR-certified, the NFRC made sure it meets the standards — so you can feel confident about your choice.
The ENERGY STAR name has become shorthand for energy savings. For a window or patio door to receive the designation, it must:
• Be manufactured by an ENERGY STAR partner.
• Be independently tested, based on standardized criteria.
• Be verified and certified by the NFRC.
• Meet requirements based on geography to ensure it's designed to perform in the climate where it's installed.
ENERGY STAR estimates replacement windows can save between $253 to $568 per year on energy costs depending on the type of windows you're replacing.1
Use the ENERGY STAR Climate Zone Finder to determine the correct zone for your home's location and product type. Then reference the product's NFRC label to confirm it's ENERGY STAR certified for your local area.
An Infinity consultant can also help you identify the best product offerings to meet your energy-efficiency goals.
Awesome windows! We’ve already seen a difference in energy savings, and we love the way they look."
Parker R.
Georgia Homeowner
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3 ways windows impact air quality
Daily ventilation
Opening your windows for at least 15 minutes a day can flush out pollutants, keeping indoor air fresh. If your windows fail to stay open, this simple task easily becomes neglected.
Material off gassing
Certain materials like vinyl break down over time and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. This can have a negative impact on your indoor air quality.2
Pollutant infiltration
When windows expand and contract, gaps form, allowing outside pollutants and debris to sneak in.
Energy Efficient Glass Options
Which glass is right for your climate?
The glass you choose can improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. Most replacement windows feature glass coated with a thin layer of low-emissivity (Low-E) material. The different levels of coating help dial in the amount of heat that moves in or out of your home.
Low E1
Primarily used in colder climates, Low E1 allows more heat in (maximum solar heat gain) to warm a room while blocking heat loss (radiant heat transfer). Achieve maximum benefits when used on elevations with direct sun exposure. Low E1 has one layer of metallic coating.
Low E2
By reflecting heat back to its source, Low E2 offers year-round performance in moderate climates. Low E2 will help retain heat (solar heat gain) in your home during the winter and keep heat out during the summer. Low E2 has two layers of metallic coating.
Low E3
Low E3 is formulated to reject solar heat while letting light in, resulting in increased performance in climates with intense sun exposure. Low E3 has three layers of metallic coating.
Low ERS
Available in conjunction with Low E2 or Low E3, Low ERS is an additional layer of coating added to the room side of the glass. This extra layer reflects escaping heat back into the room, providing maximum efficiency. Low E2/ERS has three layers of metallic coating, while Low E3/ERS has four layers.
Extraordinary comfort from Infinity
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Low expansion rate
The Ultrex fiberglass material used in Infinity windows expands at nearly the same rate as glass panes. This, paired with a custom fit, results in a tight and true seal that resists leaks.
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Responsible materials
Ultrex fiberglass — the foundation of Infinity windows — is thermoset. This means it's permanently hardened to avoid any harmful off gassing that can occur when materials break down. Thermoplastic materials like vinyl deteriorate over time, emitting VOCs in the process.
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Enduring performance
Stronger than both vinyl and Fibrex®3, Ultrex resists warping and cracking to provide smooth, lasting performance that ensures your windows and patio doors operate as designed for years to come.
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Climate expertise
We match customers with independent Infinity partners based on their localized expertise. This means your consultant will be equipped to help you choose the options designed to stand up to your climate.
1ENERGY STAR at energystar.gov. Savings estimates are based on EnergyPlus 9.5 modeling for typical homes in 132 U.S. cities. Ranges are based on the average savings among homes in modeled cities. Actual savings will vary based on local climate conditions, utility rates, and individual home characteristics.
2Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Dec; 18(24): 13147. Published online 2021 Dec 13. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182413147
3Fibrex® is a registered trademark of Andersen Corporation.