Windows, Doors and Skylights for Consumers

As of January 4, 2010, ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights will meet new performance levels (173KB). It will still be easy to find high-efficiency products: just look for the ENERGY STAR label.

In the next few months, you will see two new labels to help you choose windows, doors, or skylights for your home:

Starting October 1, 2009, you might see the label shown on the right, in red or in black, in combination with ENERGY STAR product labels. This label identifies high-efficiency products that currently qualify for the ENERGY STAR but will not meet the more stringent requirements that go into full effect April 1, 2010.

The other new label helps you find products that are eligible for the federal tax credit of up to $1,500. The label to the left, already visible in stores today, tells you the product qualifies for ENERGY STAR and is also eligible for the tax credit.

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

Windows, doors and skylights originally qualified for the ENERGY STAR label in March, 1998.

• Version 5.0 finalized in April 2009, effective 1/4/2010
• As of January 4, 2010, ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights will meet new performance levels (173KB)
• Products must meet NFRC U-Factor and, where applicable, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings based on climate zone.

Windows, Doors & Skylights Key Product Criteria: ENERGY STAR

Learn How a Product Earns the Label

What else 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. Department of Energy. But how do you know which windows work in your climate or how to install them to maximize your energy savings? The following tips will help you buy with confidence and install for efficiency.

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 or manufacturer. Find a manufacturer or 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:

  

  Official label for products qualified in all four
  climate zones (Northern, North/Central, South/Central, and Southern)
  

  Official label for products qualified in the three southernmost zones (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 up to $1,500 in 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, Doors & Skylight Tips
What Makes it ENERGY STAR

These FAQs represent the top ten related to Windows, Doors and Skylights and the ENERGY STAR program.