Residential Product Certification
Build Trust. Strengthen Your Brand.
NFRC’s Residential Certification Program provides independent, third‑party verification of the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, and window films. Through standardized testing, ratings, and certification, NFRC delivers consistent, reliable performance data for residential fenestration products. The program evaluates U‑factor, solar heat gain coefficient, visible transmittance, air leakage, and condensation index, giving manufacturers, builders, and homeowners confidence in product performance in real‑world conditions.
NFRC is the official certification body for ENERGY STAR® windows, doors, and skylights through its FenStar Certification Program. Before applying for ENERGY STAR certification, products must first be NFRC certified.
The proof is in the certification
NFRC’s Residential Certification Program gives fenestration product manufacturers the credibility to stand out in a competitive marketplace. Certification isn’t just a label—it’s proof that your products meet rigorous, independent performance standards recognized across the industry.
When homeowners, builders, and distributors see the NFRC label, they know they can trust the energy performance claims.
Consumer Confidence
Assure homeowners that your products will deliver on efficiency and comfort. Third-party certification provides that peace of mind.
Preferred by Builders
Certified products are easier to sell, easier to specify, and more likely to be chosen by builders and contractors.
Easy Compliance
NFRC certification helps you meet building codes and energy efficiency program requirements nationwide.
Brand Credibility
Align your company with NFRC’s global reputation for accuracy, integrity and transparency.
Our process
Products go through a rigorous process to measure their performance and verify the results before NFRC issues its certification. You’ll work with three independent entities to ensure accuracy and consistency: NFRC, a laboratory, and an inspection agency.
Laboratory Testing
All testing and simulation must be conducted by an NFRC 701 Accredited Laboratory of your choosing. NFRC residential certification uses a combination of simulations (computer modeling) to determine energy performance (U-factor, SHGC, VT) for product lines, and physical testing (NFRC 102) to validate those simulations. While simulations are used for most ratings, physical testing is mandatory for air leakage (ANSI/NFRC 400) and validating simulations.
Certification and Labeling
In addition to your laboratory, you will contract with an NFRC-licensed independent Inspection Agency (IA) that reviews testing reports and conducts in-plant inspections. Once performance ratings are established, the IA makes a recommendation to NFRC and we certify the product. Products are then listed in the NFRC Certified Product Directory and must display the NFRC label showing the ratings.
ENERGY STAR®
Once your products have been certified, you are eligible to enroll in our FenStar® Certification Program, the official pathway to ENERGY STAR certification. NFRC-certified products that meet ENERGY STAR requirements can be nominated. Learn more about our FenStar program.
Additional resources
Contact Us
Getting certified may sound complex—but NFRC makes it simple. We’ll guide you every step of the way, from initial application to final approval. You don’t need to be an expert in testing or ratings. That’s our job.
Here are the steps you can expect:
- Connect with NFRC – Fill out our short interest form to learn more about the process and get your questions answered.
- Guided Steps – We’ll walk you through the process, explain what’s needed and when, and help you select your lab and inspection agency.
- Testing & Verification – Your products are tested and rated to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Certification Awarded – Once complete, you’ll receive NFRC certification and the right to display the trusted NFRC label.
The process is designed to be straightforward, transparent, and supportive, so you can focus on designing great products while we handle the details.