The Difference Between NFRC® and ENERGY STAR® Labels

Whether you’re getting casement, picture or double-hung replacement windows, you should consider their energy efficiency. While appeal matters, the right windows can help you save on energy costs. The National Fenestration Rating Council® (NFRC) and ENERGY STAR® labels are two things you should look for if you want energy-efficient windows. 

Read on to learn the difference between these two labels. 

ENERGY STAR® and NFRC®

ENERGY STAR aims to provide an easy, credible and unbiased way for consumers and businesses to make well-informed decisions. With the ENERGY STAR label, you can effortlessly choose products for your home window replacement project that can save you money while protecting the environment. 

You can find the NFRC label on all ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors and skylights. Every qualified product must be independently tested, certified and verified according to test procedures established by the NFRC. 

NFRC is a third-party non-profit organization that rates and labels products so consumers can compare the performance of windows, doors and skylights. It doesn’t say whether a product is good or not, but sets minimum performance standards. 

NFRC Performance Ratings 

U-Factor 

You can determine a window’s insulative capabilities by its U-factor. The lower the U-factor of a window is, the better it insulates. 

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) 

SHGC measures how well a product blocks solar heat, and it’s measured on a scale of 0 to 1. Units with lower SHGC transmit less heat from the sun. 

Air Leakage (AL) 

Air leakage refers to how much air passes through doors or windows. The lower the AL of a window is, the more airtight the unit is.  

Visible Transmittance (VT) 

Modern windows have higher, visible light transmittance. This pertains to the amount of visible light that passes through windows. 

Condensation Resistance 

You’ll know how well a window resists moisture buildup through its condensation resistance. The higher this rating is, the less likely moisture builds up in the window. 

For energy-efficient replacement casement windows and patio doors, choose Renewal by Andersen® Midwest. Call us at (866) 609-5033, or fill our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

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