Ottawa winters are long, cold, and unforgiving. Choosing the right energy efficient windows isn’t just about comfort — it can significantly reduce your heating costs, improve indoor comfort, and protect your home from drafts and moisture issues.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best types of energy efficient windows for Ottawa, what performance metrics matter most, and how to choose windows that will save energy year after year.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Ottawa
Ottawa experiences:
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Temperatures well below -20°C
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Long winter months with high heating demand
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Freeze-thaw cycles that stress building envelopes
Windows play a large role in your home’s overall insulation. Poor performance leads to:
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Higher heating bills
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Cold drafts near windows
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Moisture condensation
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Uneven indoor temperatures
The right windows can help your home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Key Energy Performance Metrics to Look For
When comparing energy efficient windows, always check:
1. U-Factor
Shows how well the window prevents heat transfer.
Lower = better.
In Ottawa, aim for 0.20 or lower.
2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Measures how much solar energy is absorbed.
Higher is better in cold climates.
3. ENERGY STAR® Certified
Look for windows certified for Climate Zone 7/Cold Climates.
This ensures they’re tested for conditions similar to Ottawa.
Top Types of Energy Efficient Windows for Ottawa
✅ Triple-Pane Windows
Triple-pane units have three sheets of glass with insulating gas fills like argon or krypton.
Benefits:
✔ Best insulation
✔ Great noise reduction
✔ Excellent freeze-thaw stability
Triple-pane is ideal for detached homes and homes with older insulation.
✅ Double-Pane with Low-E and Argon Gas
A high-performance double-pane window with:
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Low-E coating
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Argon gas between panes
Benefits:
✔ Very good insulation
✔ Most cost-effective high-efficiency option
✔ Lower upfront cost than triple-pane
Great choice if you want strong performance without the premium price.
✅ Fiberglass Frames with Thermal Break
Frame materials matter too.
Fiberglass frames are:
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Extremely stable
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Low expansion/contraction
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Excellent for extreme temperatures
Fiberglass + high performance glazing = elite energy performance.
✅ Vinyl Frames with Reinforced Inserts
Vinyl is budget-friendly and durable.
When paired with:
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Low-E glass
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Argon gas
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Warm edge spacers
you get a very energy efficient window at a lower cost.
Optional Features That Improve Efficiency
✔ Warm Edge Spacers – Reduces heat loss at the edge
✔ Low-E Coatings – Improves performance in both winter and summer
✔ Tinted/Reflective Coatings – Reduces heat gain when needed
✔ Gas Fills (Argon/Krypton) – Improves insulation between panes
ROI of Energy Efficient Windows in Ottawa
Energy efficient windows can:
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Lower annual heating costs
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Increase resale value
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Improve home comfort
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Reduce drafts
Many homeowners find that the long-term savings offset the upfront costs — especially in cold climates like Ottawa.
Working With Trusted Installers Matters
Even the best energy efficient windows can perform poorly if installed incorrectly. Proper installation ensures:
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Proper sealing
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Correct flashing & insulation
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Effective air barriers
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Long-lasting performance
Before committing, compare trusted window replacement Ottawa experts here:
Compare Ottawa installers by reviewing our
Top Window Companies in Ottawa
guide.