You can feel the cold creeping in from your windows on winter nights. Your heating system runs constantly, your energy bills climb higher each month, and certain rooms never seem to get truly warm. Here’s what many homeowners don’t realize: About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows.
The right window attachments can significantly reduce heat loss in winter while making your home more comfortable year-round. Energy-efficient window coverings help limit solar heat gain and take pressure off your heating system, creating an insulating barrier that keeps warmth inside during colder months—delivering meaningful utility savings, in some cases up to 13.5%. The key is knowing which products truly deliver measurable energy performance in cold climates.
Understanding AERC Certification
A window covering with the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) certification means it has been independently tested and verified for energy performance. You can identify AERC certified products by looking for the AERC label with the manufacturer or checking the online database.
When a product earns AERC certification, the label tells you exactly how it performs:
- The Cool Climate rating helps you choose window coverings designed to reduce heat loss in colder climates. If you’re in a hotter climate, the Warm Climate rating highlights products designed to limit heat gain.
- The energy savings indicator estimates how much energy you could save by using the window covering compared with having no covering at all.
- The variable scale system means ratings appear on a scale from 0 to a maximum number that varies by product category.
- Higher ratings indicate better insulation performance and greater savings on heating costs.
This takes the guesswork out of shopping and gives you confidence in your purchase.
Top AERC-Certified Product Types for Cold Climates
Window coverings come in different attachment styles, each offering a different degree of insulation. Here are the best performers with their Cool Climate maximum ratings:
- Storm windows are secondary windows that reduce solar heat gain and improve insulation. The maximum rating is 120.
- Roller shades are smooth, retractable shades that can be used manually or with automation. The typical use maximum rating is 50, and the automation rating is 50.
- Cellular shades have a honeycomb structure that traps air for added insulation. The typical use maximum rating is 25, and the automation rating is 65.
- Roman shades are fabric shades that fold neatly when raised and provide moderate heat reduction. The typical use maximum rating is 15, and the automation rating is 50.
Compare products within the same category to get the most accurate performance assessment.
Maximizing Performance: Automation and Installation
Getting the most from your window coverings involves both smart technology and proper setup.
Automation uses motorized controls and scheduling to open and close your shades at optimal times throughout the day. In cold climates, this means opening shades during sunny winter days to capture free solar heat, then automatically closing them at dusk to trap that warmth inside. Because automation optimizes timing better than manual adjustments, AERC ratings show these systems consistently achieve higher cold climate performance than products operated by hand.
Proper installation is just as important as selecting the right product. Position shades as close to the window glass as you can to form an insulating air pocket. Using side channels or tracks to seal the edges helps block cold air from seeping around the covering.
For the best thermal performance, choose an inside mount so the shade fits snugly within the window frame. This creates a tighter seal than an outside mount. Make sure the top and bottom edges fit closely as well, since gaps in these areas let warm air escape and cold air enter, reducing the effectiveness of even high-quality window coverings.
Getting Started With AERC-Certified Products
Shopping for the right option doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s how to begin:
- Use the certified product search tool to browse tested and rated options.
- Filter results by Cool Climate rating to find top performers for cold weather conditions.
- Compare products within the same category since maximum ratings vary by type.
- Check for rebate programs through your utility company that may cover AERC-certified products.
- Review installation requirements to ensure proper performance once installed.
- Review common questions about ratings, installation, and product selection before making a final decision.
If you’re ready to stop cold drafts and save on heating, AERC-certified window attachments are a smart place to start. Your home can be warmer and more energy-efficient this winter.
Smart Choices for Warmer, More Efficient Homes
AERC-certified window attachments with high Cool Climate ratings are one of the best ways to keep chilly winter air from sneaking into your home. By reducing heat loss through inefficient windows, these products help you stay cozy while cutting down on heating costs. The AERC label offers clear, third-party verified performance data, so you can shop with confidence and know exactly which products will protect your home from cold drafts.
When shopping, look for the AERC certification, compare options within the same category, and make sure they’re installed correctly for maximum insulation. Visit aercenergyrating.org to explore certified products that can keep your home cozy and help reduce energy bills throughout winter.
About AERC
Our mission is to deliver standardized energy-performance ratings for window attachments, helping consumers make informed, energy-efficient decisions.
We provide independent testing and certification for window attachment products through our comprehensive program developed with support from the U.S. Department of Energy.
AERC membership unites manufacturers, utilities, and industry professionals who work together to advance energy efficiency in buildings.
Ready to make smarter window choices? Explore our resources, learn how to read the AERC residential label or join our member network today.