What is ENERGY STAR® certification?
ENERGY STAR® is an international program supported in Canada by Natural Resources Canada. Certified products meet strict energy efficiency criteria verified by independent testing. For a window, that means insulation above the minimum Building Code requirements.
The concrete benefits
Measured savings
Certified windows can cut heating and cooling costs by 12 % to 33 %. For an average Québec home, that is $200 to $600 a year.
Everyday comfort
They eliminate cold spots near windows in winter and reduce excess heat in summer. The result: a more even temperature throughout the house and less outside noise.
UV protection
Low-emissivity glass blocks a large share of ultraviolet rays, protecting furniture, floors and curtains from fading.
Less condensation
Thanks to their thermal performance, these windows markedly reduce condensation — a common problem in Québec through the winter.
Assistance programs: where things actually stand
This is the subject where the most outdated information circulates. Here is what is genuinely in force for replacing doors and windows in Québec:
- Rénoclimat — active. $150 per opening for an exterior window or door certified ENERGY STAR®, on complete replacement only. The energy evaluation must be done BEFORE the work starts.
- Hydro-Québec's LogisVert — does NOT apply. The program explicitly excludes the installation and replacement of doors and windows.
- The Canada Greener Homes Grant — closed to new applications since February 2024.
- Municipal programs — some cities offer additional help. Worth checking with yours.
The provincial RénoVert and LogiRénov tax credits, still cited in many older articles, expired years ago.
How to recognize them
Certified products carry the ENERGY STAR® symbol. Check that the certification applies to your climate zone.
Going beyond the minimum
Certification is a floor, not a ceiling. What sets the best products apart on the Québec market:
- Windows: welded frames of at least 5 5/8 in. in 100 % pure uPVC; sealed units of at least 1 1/4 in. with Swisspacer spacers and Climaguard 8071 Low-E built into the glass.
- Doors: R16 high-density urethane injection rather than a standard foam panel; triple magnetic compression weatherstripping; 22-gauge steel rather than 24 or 26.
- Warranty: 20 years, non-degressive. It is rare, and it is the best indicator of a manufacturer's confidence in its own product.
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