Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights Key Product Criteria

The ENERGY STAR criteria for residential windows, doors, and skylights are tailored to four Climate Zones. A product's energy efficiency for a given climate is based on its impact on heat gain and loss in cold weather and heat gain in warm weather. Windows that are energy efficient in Florida will not necessarily be energy efficient in Michigan and vice-versa.

Climate Zones for ENERGY STAR Qualification Criteria

The four Climate Zones for ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights are:

• Northern: mostly heating
• North/Central: heating and cooling
• South/Central: cooling and heating
• Southern: mostly cooling

To find the Climate Zone for a specific zip code, consult the ENERGY STAR Climate Zone Finder.

ENERGY STAR Qualified Windows, Doors and Skylights Eligibility

The criteria for ENERGY STAR Residential Windows Door and Skylights has been revised effective January 4, 2010: View the new specification (206KB).

To be eligible for the ENERGY STAR, products must be rated, certified, and labeled for both U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) in accordance with the procedures of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) at levels which meet the following ENERGY STAR qualification criteria in one or more Climate Zone. Storm windows, window films and interior doors are not eligible for ENERGY STAR at this time.