Energy Star is a window certification program administered by the Federal Government to help you select energy efficient windows optimized for your climate. A window must meet minimum performance criteria to qualify. These criteria are based on NFRC whole window performance ratings and are different for each of four climate zones as follows:
Northern Zone (blue): U-Factor of .30 or less, SHGC any
North Central Zone (yellow): U-Factor of .32 or less, SHGC of .40 or less
South Central Zone (orange): U-Factor of .35 or less, SHGC of .30 or less
Southern Zone (red): U-Factor of .60 or less, SHGC of .27 or less