Shopping for new windows can be a confusing process.  ENERGY STAR™ and The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) want to make your “window shopping” experience simple!  Every ENERGY STAR™ qualified window and door is independently certified by The NFRC to perform at levels that meet or exceed energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. The NFRC has labeled each window tested with an Energy Performance Rating which displays the window energy properties.  The key is to learn what to look for on this rating label when purchasing your new windows. The following tips will help you buy with confidence.

Purchasing Tips

1. Select ENERGY STAR™ qualified windows and doors from a retailer/manufacturer that participates in the ENERGY STAR™ program.
2. Ask for ENERGY STAR™ products when ordering and look for the ENERGY STAR™ climate zone label.  Verify the product you are considering qualifies in Colorado.
3. The ENERGY STAR™ climate zone label must appear on the product next to the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).
4. Proper installation is necessary for optimal window performance, to ensure an airtight fit and avoid water leakage.  Always follow manufacturer’s installation guidelines and use trained professionals for window installation.

This is a sample sticker only:

Things to look for on the NFRC label:

• Energy Star™ climate zone label rated for Colorado
  
• U-factor rated for Colorado: The lower the U-factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.
  
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rated for Colorado: verifies how well the product blocks heat caused by sunlight.  Colder climates desire a higher SHGC.

Keep in mind that the cost of complete window replacement for the average home is $7,500-$10,000.* When you’re interviewing contractors, ask them to break down the price quote by labor and materials. ENERGY STAR™ qualified windows may cost more than non-qualified products, but the labor involved should be comparable for both.

* Based on Consumer Checkbook’s (June 2008) reported average product and installation cost for standard size, double-pane, vinyl, double-hung replacement windows with low-E, grids, and argon fill.

Steps to receive a rebate:

• Review all rules and requirements.
• Purchase and install qualifying ENERGY STAR™ windows.
• Submit following items with completed rebate application/worksheet:
  • dated receipt(s)/signed contract;
  • the ENERGY STAR™ climate zone sticker(s) and The National Fenestration Rating Council sticker(s) showing the U-factor and SHGC rating (one copy required for each different size window)
  • window sizes are REQUIRED on the invoice/receipt/contract/sticker for verification of square footage
  • signed Affidavit of Lawful Presence and a copy of applicable identification

Return above information to:

Colorado Springs Utilities
Energy Rebates
P.O. Box 1103, Mail Code 1339
Colorado Springs, CO 80947-1339

Or scan all documentation to products@csu.org

Use the rebate calculator to figure out the exact rebate amount before you fill out the application