What Does the NFRC Sticker Really Mean?
May 14, 2018If you’ve ever gone shopping for replacement windows or doors, you probably noticed a sticker with the NFRC logo in the top corner. NFRC stands for the National Fenestration Rating Council, which is a nonprofit group that independently tests and certifies windows, doors and skylights, then lists the energy performance ratings on a label, the same one that carries the NFRC logo. In this way, consumers are able to understand what they’re buying and have confidence in the products they’re purchasing.
The information listed on a NFRC label can be a little confusing, so here is an explanation from Renewal by Andersen of Northeast PA to help you understand a few of the different components of the NFRC rating system. Three in particular are also used for determining ENERGY STAR certification: Air Leakage, U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.
Air Leakage
This measurement, with a range of 0-1, determines how much outside air leaks inside your home via a closed window. This is an important number to keep an eye on; the lower the number, the less chance a draft is going to make it through the window.
U-Factor
A window’s U-factor is a measurement of how well it regulates the flow of heat into and out of the home. The range is .20-1.20, with lower numbers designating more energy-efficient products that will do well retaining the heat in your home in the winter.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, with a range of 0-1, is a measure of how much heat from the sun is blocked. Lower numbers are better if you live in a Middle or Southern climate and want to spend less on your cooling bill in the summer. For those in Northern climates who want to let in more of the sun’s heat, choosing windows or replacement doors on the higher end of the range may be preferable.
The NFRC logo is something you will always see on Renewal by Andersen products. The combination of our exclusive Fibrex® material, High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass and expert installation means our replacement windows have excellent NFRC ratings. To find out more about our superior products, give Renewal by Andersen of Northeast PA a call at [company_phone].