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Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights for Consumers

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Did You Know?

ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights can reduce your energy bills up to 15% while helping protect the environment.

About ENERGY STAR Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights

Windows, Doors & Skylights

Thanks to advances in technology, today's ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights offer greater savings than ever before. Just look for the ENERGY STAR label.

Save energy and money.

Replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows lowers household energy bills by 7-15 percent. Lower energy consumption also reduces greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and shrinks a house's carbon footprint.

Learn about the benefits of ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors & skylights.

Get information about tax credits for windows, doors, and skylights.

Current Specification Effective Date:

January 4, 2010
  • The current criteria were finalized in April 2009.
  • As of January 4, 2010, ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights meet new performance levels PDF (194KB)
  • Windows and skylights must meet U-Factor and, where applicable, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) requirements based on climate zone. Doors must meet U-Factor and, where applicable, SHGC requirements based on glazing level (amount of glass).
  • Windows, doors and skylights originally qualified for the ENERGY STAR label in March, 1998.

Windows, Doors & Skylights Key Product Criteria

Learn How a Product Earns the Label

What should I look for when buying windows, doors & skylights?

Every ENERGY STAR qualified window, door, and skylight is independently certified to perform at levels that meet or exceed energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA. But how do you know which windows work in your climate? The following tips will help you buy with confidence.

Purchasing Steps

Shopping for new windows, doors, and skylights can be a confusing process. ENERGY STAR makes it simple! Follow these five steps to ensure your windows, doors, and skylights deliver savings and comfort you'll enjoy.

  • Determine your ENERGY STAR Climate Zone.
  • Find a retailer. Find a retailer of ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, or skylights.

  • Look for the ENERGY STAR label for your climate zone. All ENERGY STAR qualified products must display the ENERGY STAR label. Check the label to make sure the product you are considering qualifies in your area. The ENERGY STAR label appears on the product next to the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label:

    ENERGY STAR Qualified
    in Highlighted Regions

    This image shows an ENERGY STAR product qualification label for windows. The product label states “ENERGY STAR Qualified in Highlighted Regions” at the top and has an ENERGY STAR certification mark on the left. On the right is a map of the United States with the Northern, North-Central, and South-Central Zones highlighted to show where this product qualifies. To learn more about ENERGY STAR climate zones, please contact ENERGY STAR for Windows, Doors, and Skylights at windows@energystar.gov.
    Official ENERGY STAR label (and NFRC Label) for a window qualifying in the Northern, North-Central, and South-Central climate zones.

    ENERGY STAR Qualified
    in All 50 States

    This image shows an ENERGY STAR product qualification label for windows. The product label states “ENERGY STAR Qualified in All 50 States” at the top and has an ENERGY STAR certification mark on the left. On the right is a map of the United States which is completely highlighted to show that the product qualifies throughout the United States. Below the ENEGY STAR label is an example National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Label.
    One of the official ENERGY STAR labels (and the NFRC Label) for a window qualifying in all four climate zones (Northern, North-Central, South-Central, and Southern).

  • Ask for ENERGY STAR when ordering. When you're ordering in a showroom, make sure to ask for a product that qualifies for ENERGY STAR in your climate zone. You can choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows in a variety of framing materials to suit your needs.

  • Get a deal. In addition to the long-term energy savings you'll enjoy, take advantage of financial incentives that lower your initial investment:
    • Many utilities provide financial incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights. Look for local rebates and other promotions in your area.
    • Claim federal tax credits for installing ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors or skylights or making certain other energy efficiency improvements to your home.
    • Keep in mind that the cost of complete window replacement for the average home is $7,500-$10,000.* When you're interviewing contractors, ask them to break down the price quote by labor and materials. ENERGY STAR qualified windows may cost more than non-qualified products, but the labor involved should be comparable for both.

      * Based on Consumer Checkbook's (June 2008) reported average product and installation cost for standard size, double-pane, vinyl, double-hung replacement windows with low-E, grids, and argon fill.

Related Information
Installing for Efficiency
Other Window, Door & Skylight Tips
What Makes it ENERGY STAR

These are the top FAQs related to Residential Windows, Doors and Skylights and the ENERGY STAR program.

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