FAQs about Window Energy Rating and Labeling
Energy ratings are an important guide to size windows up. They tell you how each product performs in critical areas, including insulation, heat reflectivity, and daylight transfer. The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is the authority in providing energy performance ratings for windows in America.
To advance your knowledge about energy performance rating and labeling for replacement windows, Jones and Associates answers the most common questions about it:
Why is the NFRC Responsible for Window Performance Rating and Labeling?
The NFRC is a non-profit coalition consisting of the industry’s top stakeholders, including state and federal energy officials, manufacturers, builders, and consumers. They all work together to develop an accurate, fair, and credible energy performance rating system nationwide.
What Does the NFRC Label Say?
The NFRC label features four key energy performance ratings for replacement windows: U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Visible Light Transmittance (VT), and Air Leakage.
In a nutshell, the U-factor refers to the product’s ability to thermally insulate, while SHGC shows how well the unit reflects unwanted solar heat. VT measures the amount of natural light the window lets in while Air Leakage determines the amount of air infiltration the product allows.
Where Can You See the NFRC Label?
All ENERGY STAR®-certified windows bear the NFRC label. You can normally find it in the product literature.
How do You Use Energy Ratings to Best Effect?
You can use the NFRC ratings in your windows replacement if you don’t know the energy efficiency criteria in your local climate. In the South-Central Climate Zone where the Ector, Lubbock, and Midland counties are located, look for products with a 0.30 U-factor or less and a 0.25 SHGC or less. Buying windows with a combination of these values deliver maximum energy performance.
At Jones and Associates, we take pride in being leading provider of Simonton Platinum Prism windows in Lubbock, Midland, and Odessa, TX. Our custom products have excellent NFRC ratings to help you achieve your energy efficiency goals. Call us now at (806) 686-1380 to schedule your FREE, in-home consultation and estimate at your convenience.
