QUALITY-TESTED, PROVEN PERFORMANCE
LOOK FOR THE PERFORMANCE LABELS
When purchasing new window products, homeowners should make note of two things. The first is the window’s performance ratings and the second is if those ratings qualify the product for the ENERGY STAR program.
NFRC ENERGY PERFORMANCE RATING
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Energy Performance label is designed to help consumers identify a rating or a measurement scale that reflects a window’s performance. This will help you compare the energy performance characteristics of window and door products, per different brands and manufacturers.
U-FACTOR
Most critical during heating seasons, the lower the U-Factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow. U-Factor ratings usually fall between 0.17 and 1.00, with a lower U-Factor indicating that your furnace won’t need to run as much, helping to conserve on heating costs.
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICIENT
Most critical during cooling seasons, a lower Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) means that less solar radiation is being admitted through your windows. Often indicated by a number between 0 and 1, a lower SHGC can help reduce your air-conditioning needs.
VISIBLE TRANSMITTANCE
Most often displayed as a number between 0 and 1, Visible transmittance (VT) measures the amount of visible light transmitted through a window. More specifically, VT is the portion of the electromagnetic solar spectrum that produces light that can be seen by the human eye. The higher the VT, the more visible daylight will brighten the interior of your home.
ENERGY STAR PROGRAM CERTIFICATION
The ENERGY STAR label was created to make it easy – and rewarding – to choose products with high energy efficiency performance ratings for your home. When you see the ENERGY STAR label, you know that this product is a positive choice for energy efficiency, fuel savings and the environment. The program also certifies brand new
homes or office buildings as meeting or exceeding the program’s higher standards for energy efficiency.
The ENERGY STAR program identifies four different heating and cooling U.S. climate zones. Preservation Windows with EnergyMaxx insulating glass packages are certified in all four zones – all 50 states.
FGIA (Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance)
FGIA (Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance) voluntary standards establish testing parameters for the performance of windows and doors. Representatives from an FGIA accredited test laboratory witness all testing. Test results are then reviewed by the FGIA Certification Program's independent, third-party validator for compliance with the specification. The product is then authorized for certification.
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
Preservation Windows are certified by subjecting them to the battery of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) tests for air infiltration, water-resistance and structural load. These tests are part of the accepted industry standard for windows. (North American Fenestration Standard)
Insulating Glass Certification Council
The Insulating Glass Certification Council (IGCC) is a non-profit organization jointly established in 1977 by manufacturers, consumers, specifiers and others concerned with the quality and performance of insulating glass units. IGCC sponsors and directs an independent, true third-party certification program. Periodic accelerated laboratory tests, per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications, and unannounced plant quality audits and inspections assure the quality and performance of sealed insulating glass products.
Performance testing above based on 36" x 60" and 36" x 72" sized units. Note: DP and PG ratings may differ based on whole window performance and model. Ratings listed are for HP option.