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GreenFox

Energy Star Rated versus Energy Star Certified

Oct 29, 2026 | 4:28 PM

You may have noticed that window companies often promote their products as Energy Star Rated or Energy Star Certified. Although they seem the same, there is a significant difference between the two of them.

Energy Star Rated products are products that when manufactured according to the manufacturers specifications, the thermal simulation numbers meet the Energy Star ratings.

In addition to meeting the required Star ratings, Energy Star Certified products are monitored by an Energy Star Certified test lab. They do plant audits twice a year to ensure the products are being manufactured the exact same way as they were tested. During the audit, documentation must be provided to prove compliance with their mandatory quality program. All Energy Star Certified products are also listed in the NRCan Searchable product list Searchable product list | Natural Resources Canada This is an easy-to-use tool to check if the company you are dealing with is certified.

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All sealed units used in the manufacturing of Energy Star Certified windows must also have third party verification through the Insulated Glass Manufacturers Association of Canada (IGMAC). Even if a window manufacturer doesn’t make all of their sealed units, wherever they are sourced must also carry IGMAC certification. This is something that certifying bodies always check as part of the audit and a certificate of compliance must be presented to them. IGMAC audits also ensure that the quality protocols are being followed with documentation to prove it.

In early 2026, NRCan started an additional random sampling program for Energy Star Certified manufacturers. Greenfox was notified that we had been randomly selected for an audit. They provided the specification of the product type, glass type and size range and requested us to send a sample coming directly off the production line. This is to ensure it was representative of the way we are manufacturing the products. The samples are sent directly to a certified testing facility accompanied by the test reports. A materials list also must be provided to ensure the components being used are the same components which were used in the test samples. If the documentation doesn’t match the submitted sample the company can lose its certification.

Finally, all certified products are labeled with the labels being provided by the certifying lab. This ensures the homeowner as well as an energy auditor can quickly confirm that the products are certified.

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When making a major window purchase ensure the company you choose is certified and not just rated. It is important to do your research to confirm the products you choose are being monitored by third party certification bodies to ensure you are getting the quality products your home deserves.

For more information, please visit https://greenfoxwindows.ca/.