When you’re picking new windows and doors for your home, experts recommend that you pick the most energy-efficient products. That way, you can lower your monthly energy bills and save a significant amount in the process. When you’re buying new windows, it’s strongly recommended that you look for an ENERGY STAR® and National Fenestration Rating Council® (NFRC) label. But what exactly are the differences between the two?

ENERGY STAR®

ENERGY STAR rates the energy performance of windows, doors and skylights. These products are independently tested, certified and verified according to the test procedures that the NFRC has established. According to experts, the qualifications used by ENERGY STAR is only based on U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) ratings, and they enable consumers to easily identify NFRC-certified products with superior energy performance.

NFRC®

On the other hand, the NFRC is a third-party, non-profit organization that sponsors certified rating and labeling. That way, consumers can compare the performances of their products. According to professionals, the NFRC provides the labels found on ENERGY STAR-certified windows, doors and skylights as well as the performance ratings in five categories. These ratings include the U-factor, which measures how well the window insulates, SHGC, which measures how well the product blocks the heat caused by sunlight, Air Leakage (AL), which measures the rate at which air passes through your window’s joints, Visible Transmittance (VT), the rating that measures the amount of light your window allows inside, and Condensation Resistance, which measures how well the window resists water buildup.

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Looking to install energy-efficient windows and doors in your home? Don’t hesitate to turn to Renewal by Andersen® of San Diego. Give us a call at (858) 935-8451, or fill out our contact form to get a free price quote. We serve homeowners in San Diego and other nearby areas.