Energy efficiency is crucial for reducing energy bills and our carbon footprint. This article discusses the upcoming national energy code changes in 2025 and their impact on your home, comfort, energy bills, and the entire replacement windows industry.
Upcoming 2025 National Energy Codes
The 2025 national energy codes in Canada will significantly affect how windows and doors are designed, manufactured, and installed. The goal is to address the issue as related to reducing solar heat gain and overheating in high-performance homes, a pressing concern after the tragic loss of lives due to extreme heat in BC.
Proposed changes
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): The SHGC for new-construction and replacement windows will most likely follow what is listed on the following table and most likely will be what is adopted.
Third-party verification: Manufactured fenestration products will need to have a third-party verification mark
Accessibility: Door openings may be made wider to improve accessibility
Air tightness: Air tightness may be increased
Fall protection: Fall protection for windows on upper storeys may be required
The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is also considering how the codes can help with climate resilience.
What’s New for Windows?
High-performance homes, known for their high insulation and airtightness, are designed to be energy-efficient. However, these features can lead to overheating, particularly during hot seasons. High solar gain windows, beneficial in cold weather, can contribute to excessive heat build-up in the summer.
The proposed changes aim to limit solar heat gain in homes by changing the energy metrics for replacement windows, particularly the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).
Impact on Hinged and Sliding Doors
Energy Metrics:
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Just like windows, doors will have SHGC ratings to show how much solar heat they let in. Lower SHGC ratings help keep your home cooler in summer.
U-Factor: This measures how well a door keeps heat from escaping. New codes will require doors to be better insulated.
Design and Installation:
Better Insulation: Hinged and sliding doors will need to have higher insulation standards.
Advanced Materials: Manufacturers will use new materials and tech to make doors more energy-efficient.
Benefits for You:
Save Energy: Energy-efficient doors can lower your heating and cooling costs.
Stay Comfortable: Better insulation and SHGC ratings help maintain a comfy indoor temperature all year round.
Help the Environment: Using less energy means fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
How Will These Changes Affect You?
As a homeowner, these changes mean installing windows and doors designed to keep your home cooler in the summer. This leads to more comfortable indoor temperatures, lower cooling costs, and a smaller carbon footprint.
When shopping for new windows and doors, companies should be able provide additional guidance to help you select appropriate windows and/or doors (and SHGC factors) for energy efficiency and thermal comfort. If you have questions related to these changes, you can also visit
https://www.fenestrationcanada.ca/
https://natural-resources.canada.ca/ and
https://energy-information.canada.ca/en/energy-facts/energy-efficiency
Canada’s National Building Code and Its Impact on Ontario
The 2025 National Building Code will also impact Ontario, including Northwestern Ontario. The updated code emphasizes energy efficiency, requiring higher R-values for insulation, advanced window technology, and efficient heating systems. These measures aim to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
In Northwestern Ontario, where extreme weather conditions are common, these changes are particularly important. The new code will help ensure that homes are better insulated and more energy-efficient, reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling.
Ontario Building Code Changes
The 2025 National Building Code will lead to significant changes in the Ontario Building Code. The updated Ontario Building Code will introduce stricter requirements for insulation, windows, and heating systems. These changes aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Changes:
Higher R-Values for Insulation: Homes and buildings will require more robust insulation to improve thermal performance.
Advanced Window Technology: New standards will mandate high-performance windows that reduce heat loss and enhance energy savings.
Efficient Heating Systems: Upgrades in heating system standards will promote the use of energy-efficient technologies, such as heat pumps and advanced HVAC systems.
SRS Windows and Doors Inc. Commitment to Our Clients
At SRS Windows and Doors Inc., we understand the importance of staying ahead of industry changes. With the upcoming 2025 national energy codes, we’re actively preparing for these changes.
Our team is closely following the development of these new codes and participating in industry discussions. We’re investing in research and development to ensure our windows meet the new energy metrics, particularly the SHGC and energy ratings.
We’re enhancing our product range to offer more energy-efficient options that can help keep your home cooler in the summer. Our current models already meet the upcoming energy code changes, including our bestseller casement and awning windows.
Education and Expert Guidance
In addition to improving our products, we’re focusing on education. Our team is being trained to understand these changes thoroughly, so we can provide you with accurate information and guidance. When you have questions about replacing your windows, you can trust that you’re getting expert advice based on the latest industry standards.
Wrapping Up
Understanding these upcoming changes is crucial for homeowners planning to replace windows. These changes aim to improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
As we adapt to a warmer future, it’s essential to ensure our homes can withstand higher temperatures. The 2025 energy code changes offer a practical solution to the overheating issue in high-performance homes.
If you have any questions about these upcoming changes or how they might affect your window replacement plans, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experts are here to help you navigate the changes and make the best window replacement decisions for your home.
Summary
Upcoming 2025 National Energy Codes:
– Changes: New codes will affect the design, manufacture, and installation of windows and doors to address overheating in high-performance homes.
– Focus: Limiting solar heat gain by changing energy metrics, especially the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).
Impact on Homeowners:
– Benefits: Cooler homes in summer, lower cooling costs, and a smaller carbon footprint.
– Guidance: Window companies will assist homeowners in selecting windows with appropriate SHGC factors for improved energy efficiency.
National and Ontario Building Codes:
– National Code: Emphasizes energy efficiency with higher R-values for insulation, advanced window technology, and efficient heating systems.
– Ontario Code: Stricter requirements for insulation, windows, and heating systems to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Changes:
- Higher R-values for insulation.
- Advanced window technology to reduce heat loss.
- Efficient heating systems, promoting energy-efficient technologies.
SRS Windows and Doors Commitment:
– Preparation: Actively preparing for the new energy codes by following industry developments and investing in research.
– Product Range: Offering energy-efficient window options that meet the new codes.
– Education: Training team members to provide accurate information and guidance to customers.