Purchasing Tips

Shopping for new windows can be a confusing process. ENERGY STAR makes it simple! Follow these five steps to ensure your windows are the most energy efficient and deliver savings and comfort you’ll enjoy. Determine your ENERGY STAR Climate Zone Look for the ENERGY STAR label When shopping for windows, doors and skylights, look for the ENERGY STAR label to determine if the product is qualified in your area Ask for ENERGY STAR when ordering All ENERGY STAR window, door, and skylight manufacturer partners offer products that meet the ENERGY STAR criteria. The key is to ask for them. Find an ENERGY STAR Window Manufacturer. Have Windows Properly Installed To get the most out of your windows, doors, and skylights, have them installed by trained professionals according to manufacturer instructions. Otherwise, your warranty may be void. When hiring a contractor, interview candidates and ask for references. If installation requires scraping lead-based paint, be sure to take proper precautions. Save your receipt and ENERGY STAR labels as documentation for the federal tax credit. Windows should display an official ENERGY STAR label (examples below) or equivalent custom label, next to the NFRC label. There are a variety of custom labels, but all should include the same elements as the official label: The ENERGY STAR Certification Mark A map showing where the product is qualified A qualification statement Examples Official label for products qualified in all four Climate Zones (Northern, North/Central, South/Central, and Southern) Official label for products qualified in the North/Central Climate Zone only.