What role does the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) play?

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) plays a crucial role in the building industry by providing energy performance ratings specifically for windows and doors. This organization develops standardized procedures for testing, rating, and labeling the energy performance of fenestration products, which include windows, doors, and skylights. The ratings provided by the NFRC help consumers and builders alike in making informed decisions based on energy efficiency, which can significantly impact heating and cooling costs and overall comfort within a building.

The ratings include various energy performance metrics, such as U-factor (which measures thermal transmittance), Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and Visible Transmittance (VT), among others. These metrics help identify products that meet energy performance standards and promote the use of energy-efficient designs in new and existing buildings. Thus, the focus of NFRC on energy performance ratings aligns perfectly with modern energy conservation goals and building practices, making it an essential entity in the industry.