Window Standards, Policies and Government Initiatives
Even the expert eye cannot easily tell an efficient window from a conventional window. That is why energy ratings, endorsement programs and consumer incentives play an important role in creating awareness for window energy efficiency among consumers, builders, architects and others. Programs like NFRC certification provide the ratings needed to compare window energy properties, while different federal, state and utility initiatives use these ratings as a basis for endorsement or incentives for energy-efficient products.
- Navigating window performance standards
- Learn about NFRC certification and labeling
- ENERGY STAR® for windows, doors and skylights
- The federal tax credit for home energy efficiency improvements
- High Performance Windows and Low-E Storm Windows Volume Purchase Program
- Utility and state energy efficiency incentives
Windows criteria in home performance programs
The adoption of energy-efficient windows in new construction has mainly been driven by mandatory building energy codes. In recent years, voluntary programs such as ENERGY STAR® for Homes and various sustainable design programs have gained increasing traction as well. Criteria for window energy performance differ among a variety of state and local codes and different voluntary programs.