Installing energy-efficient windows and doors is one of the cleverest moves you can ever make for your home. But how sure are you that they are energy efficient? It is simple. All you have to do is confirm their energy performance label in the form of the following:
- An Energy Star label
- National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label
Both labels are colorful, helping you quickly identify them on your window and door glass. However, the NFRC has massive details in the form of values and numbers, and only your windows and doors installation expert can help you understand them, enabling you to choose the most suitable windows and doors.
What Is an Energy Star Label for Windows and Doors?
The Energy Star label is a critical, trusted government mark on your windows and doors, certifying them as energy efficient. The energy star label ensures that your windows and doors comply with industry standards such as preventing pollution and emissions. Such a label assures you of the efficacy of your windows in all ways and helps to keep your energy costs low. To get this coveted label:
- Your windows and doors have to meet all energy-efficiency criteria/guidelines.
- You have to source it from an equal energy star partner/manufacturer.
- Has to undergo National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) testing, verification, and certification.
What is the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Label for Windows and Doors
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is an independent organization helping to ascertain the energy performance rating of your windows and doors. The NFRC investigates aspects such as U-FACTOR, solar radiation, and air leakage on your windows and doors before they can pass as energy efficient.
Some of the details the NFRC could include:
- Comparing the energy efficiency of different windows enables you to choose the best.
- Determining how your window/ door type might perform in your climatic zone.
Many homeowners take advantage of this vital tool before making window purchasing decisions.
Understanding the NFRC Label on Your Doors and Windows
The NFRC label is conspicuous, and you can quickly identify it on the exterior of your glazing window/door glass. A list of 5 ratings shown on an (NFRC) certified product and these are :
1. U-FACTOR
U-FACTOR rating ranges from 0.20 to 1.20, and it determines heat flow. It indicates how slow or fast your windows and doors conduct heat. A slow heat conductor is excellent because it translates into better energy efficiency. Still, installing an energy-efficient window is highly dependent on your climatic zone. So consult your windows and doors contractor before you choose.
2. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rating ranges from 0 to 1. It refers to the amount of sun heat your window absorbs and permeates into your home.
Hotter climatic zones work best with lower numbers. It helps to lessen the heat that comes into your home through the windows, especially when running your AC(Air conditioning).
3. Visible Transmittance
Visible Transmittance (VT) rating ranges from 0-1 and determines the amount of visible light your energy-efficient window transmits into your home. The higher the number, the better because more natural light permeates your space. This window type reduces your overreliance on artificial light, enabling you to save on energy costs.
4. Air Leakage
Air leakage rating ranges from 0.1 – 0.3. The rating indicates a fraction of the air coming into your home through the window. A lower number is favorable as less air passes through the cracks.
5. Condensation Resistance
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) condensation resistance rating ranges from 1-100. Some windows suffer condensation, so any windows that subdue it are good for you. The higher the number, the more suitable the energy-efficient window.
Conclusion
Understanding and keeping tabs on the Energy Star and National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) rating guidelines ensures you get the most value for your money. You also get the most suitable windows and doors for your home.