If you’re shopping for an energy efficient window or door, labels or ratings from ENERGY STAR® and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) will inevitably come up. Understanding the difference between these two can help you make informed decisions on your purchase. Read on as Renewal by Andersen® of New Mexico discusses the significant differences between ENERGY STAR® and NFRC ratings.
Understanding ENERGY STAR® Certification
ENERGY STAR is a widely recognized certification program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. It is designed to help consumers save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. In the context of residential windows, doors, and skylights, products that are ENERGY STAR-certified meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA.
Replacing old windows with ENERGY STAR-certified windows can lower household energy bills by up to 13% on average. This is particularly significant in climates where both the chill of winter and the heat of summer can drive up energy usage.
The Role of the NFRC
While ENERGY STAR focuses on broad energy efficiency, the NFRC provides specific performance ratings on individual products. They offer a reliable way to determine a window’s energy properties and to compare products. The NFRC label can be found alongside the ENERGY STAR label on certified products, indicating that the product has been independently tested to ensure its energy performance.
NFRC ratings include several key performance measures such as U-Factor, which indicates how well a product can keep heat from escaping a home. Another is the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which measures how well a product can resist unwanted heat gain. Both measurements are incredibly important in areas with often sunny climates.
Choosing the Right Energy-Efficient Window
When choosing energy-efficient windows, look for the ENERGY STAR label certified for the Southwest climate zone. Additionally, review NFRC ratings for a detailed understanding of the window’s performance.
Likewise, if you’re exploring sliding patio doors, choose a window and door company that provides options with both ENERGY STAR certification and NFRC ratings. This ensures your doors are not only energy-efficient but also meet specific standards for thermal insulation, UV protection and more.
Cost vs. Long-Term Savings
While ENERGY STAR-certified products often come with a higher upfront cost, it’s important to recognize the long-term savings they can bring. Rebates and federal tax credits for energy efficiency are also available to help lower your expenses. These make energy-efficient windows and doors more cost-effective.
For professional window installation, trust Renewal by Andersen of New Mexico. We can help you gain a better understanding of the ENERGY STAR and NFRC ratings of our windows and sliding patio doors. Call (505) 219-1637 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
