Should my windows have an ENERGY STAR label?

If your new windows arrive without an ENERGY STAR^® label or other documentation confirming ENERGY STAR^® qualification, they can still be eligible for rebates.

Your newly installed windows must hold the mark of one of the five certification bodies and meet the Program’s U-factor requirements.

Windows must be certified with one of the following certification bodies:

• Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
• Intertek Canada (Intertek)
• Labtest Certification (LC)
• QAI Laboratories (QAI)
• National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC)

According to Natural Resources Canada, fenestration products can be ENERGY STAR^® certified if they have met one or both of the following criteria:

• A high Energy Rating (ER) — The ER is a formula that includes the U-factor, air leakage and solar heat gain.  The higher the ER value, the more energy efficient the product (ER ratings do not apply to skylights). Keep in mind that ENERGY STAR^® certified windows with a high Solar Heat Gain Coefficient may not be the most efficient option for all windows you are looking to replace. See our FAQ on why is it important to select the right windows for my home?
• A low U-factor — U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer. The lower the U-factor, the better the product insulates.
  Please note that the energy efficiency ratings used to determine ENERGY STAR^® certification take into account the energy efficiency of the entire product. If you only look at the energy efficiency ratings of the glass portion of the window, a product can seem more energy efficient than it actually is.

For more information about the rating criteria for ENERGY STAR^® certified windows, visit Natural Resources Canada.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.