Certifications
and Standards
Certification programs for the fenestration industry (windows, doors, and skylights) aim to improve the quality of products and services offered to homeowners and help to ensure that manufacturers are leaving a positive impact on our environment. If you purchase a certified residential window or door, you can rest assured that it meets or exceeds current product standards. Keep reading to find out about some of the certification programs available for residential windows and doors.
ENERGY STAR® 
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary certification program administered by Natural Resources Canada. Its goal is to fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and help Canadians save money on energy bills. Certification requires that products are tested by third-party laboratories that rate the product’s energy performance according to high-efficiency standards. The ENERGY STAR symbol identifies products that meet or exceed these standards. Look for the symbol to help save money on energy bills and make a positive impact on our environment.
Search ENERGY STAR’s certified product list for detailed performance ratings.
CSA Group 
CSA Group develops international standards and certification programs for a wide variety of consumer goods as well as products in the electrical, gas-fired, plumbing, and personal protective equipment categories. CSA certifies that windows and doors meet or exceed the high-efficiency standards administered by programs like ENERGY STAR. Windows and doors that display the CSA certification mark are also audited up to 4 times each year to ensure the products manufactured on a daily basis meet the same performance standards as the samples submitted for original certification testing.
Search CSA Group Product Listings for detailed performance ratings.
NFRC 
NFRC stands for the National Fenestration Rating Council. They are an independent, non-profit organization that develops, maintains, and enforces energy ratings for the window and door industry. NFRC certified products will display a performance label which aims to help consumers compare energy efficient products.
Search National Fenestration Rating Council's directory for detailed performance ratings.
Common Performance Measures
U-Factor
U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer. A lower U-factor indicates greater resistance to heat transfer.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) indicates the amount of solar gain through a pane of glass. It ranges from 0-1. The higher the number, the better the solar gain.
Visible Transmittance
Visible transmittance (VT) determines the amount of light coming through a window. A scale from 0-1 is used, but most values fall within 0.25 – 0.80. More natural light passes through windows with a higher VT.
Energy Rating
Energy rating (ER) is calculated using a formula that balances a product’s U-factor with its potential SHGC and its airtightness. The higher the number, the more energy efficient the product.