Windows and doors play a much bigger role in energy efficiency than most homeowners realize.

At Energy Efficient Homes, every window and door in our builds is selected with Edmonton’s erratic climate in mind and installed with care to ensure long-term performance.

The baseline windows and doors that we install exceed typical performance standards. They also meet EnerGuide high-efficiency criteria and were eligible for the former federal Greener Homes rebate, which speaks to our products’ performance and energy savings.

We also offer premium upgrades like European Tilt-and-Turn windows and garage doors with superior insulation, so every homeowner can match their design priorities with their energy goals.

Here are some of the windows and doors we recommend in any garden suite build, and what you should know about choosing the best windows and doors for your own backyard home.

Eco Gain 180: Smart Windows Built for Cold Climates

For our standard window package, we use Plygem Eco Gain 180, a high-solar-gain glass that works with Edmonton’s climate. These are the windows we installed in the Hazeldean garage suite.

Here are some of the benefits of these windows:

• Block heat loss to the outside
• Reflect heat back into the home
• Allow winter sunlight to enter and provide “free heat”
• Block 76% of harmful UV rays

That makes these windows ideal for passive solar designs and perfect for Edmonton’s long, cold winters. They keep the suite warmer with less reliance on the furnace.

Tilt-and-Turn Windows: Elegant, Efficient, and Airtight

For homeowners who want enhanced performance and modern design, we also offer European tilt-and-turn windows.

These windows open in two ways, tilting for gentle airflow or swinging open like a door for full ventilation. They’re incredibly well-sealed, offering:

• Superior insulation and airtightness
• Exceptional soundproofing
• Built-in moisture resistance
• A sleek, modern profile for your garden suite

We work with trusted local suppliers like Permasol to ensure the product quality matches our build quality. The cost upgrade varies depending on your layout and window sizes, but it’s a premium choice that brings function and aesthetics to your suite.

Why Window Installation Matters Just as Much as the Product

Even the best windows don’t perform well if they’re installed poorly.

Our team is trained in airtight envelope construction, and every window is sealed and framed properly to:

• Eliminate air leaks
• Prevent moisture damage
• Maximize the window’s energy ratings

Our goal is always the same: a well-built, comfortable home with no cold spots, no drafts, and no surprises.

Durable, Insulated Garage Doors Made for Canadian Winters

In the Hazeldean garage suite, we installed a polyurethane-insulated garage door built for Canada’s harsh winters, from Northland Garage Doors. This door reduces energy loss while standing up to heavy snow, wind, and fluctuating temperatures, using:

• Dual-seal joints
• Arctic-grade bottom seals
• High R-value panels

These doors come in a range of styles and finishes, so you don’t have to sacrifice curb appeal for performance.

High Standards for Every Build

Our baseline windows and doors are chosen for their balance of quality, warranty, local manufacturing, and long-term performance.

While higher R-value products are available and may be the right choice for some builds, our standard package uses carefully selected, often locally-sourced windows and doors that are installed to deliver long-term comfort and energy-efficiency.

What’s Next for the Hazeldean Garage Suite

With the roof, windows, doors, and balcony now complete, the Hazeldean garden suite is entering its next exciting phase of construction.

The focus now shifts to sealing up the interior. Areas that can’t be fully integrated with our Thermal-Lock system, like around windows and doors, rim joists, and headers are being spray-foamed and sealed to maintain energy performance and airtightness.

Once insulation is complete, we’ll install a temporary furnace to bring the interior up to the right curing temperature for drywall and finishing work. From here, this suite will really start to look and feel like a home.