energy performance label

Independent energy ratings.

Informed purchase decisions.

NFRC-certified products are independently tested, certified, and labeled to help you make the best purchase decision for your needs.

While the ENERGY STAR label tells you if a product is energy-efficient, the NFRC label helps you compare between energy-efficient products by breaking down a product’s energy performance.

Understanding energy performance ratings for windows before your home upgrade.

Replacing windows is a significant investment, and deciphering the NFRC label can feel overwhelming. But fear not! By understanding key energy performance ratings like U-factor and SHGC, you’ll be empowered to choose windows that optimize both comfort and energy savings, making your home a haven of efficiency.

 

What does the NFRC label tell you?

The NFRC label helps you compare between energy-efficient windows, doors, and skylights by providing you with energy performance ratings in multiple categories.

U-Factor measures how well a product can keep heat from escaping from the inside of a room. The lower the number, the better a product is at keeping heat in.

Range: 0.20–1.20

Look for: Low numbers

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures how well a product can resist unwanted heat gain, which is especially important during summer cooling season. The lower the number, the less you’ll spend on cooling.

Range: 0–1

Look for: Low numbers

Visible Transmittance measures how well a product is designed to effectively light your home with daylight, potentially saving you money on artificial lighting. The higher the number, the more natural light is let in.

Range: 0–1

Look for: High numbers

Air Leakage measures how much air will enter a room through a product. The lower the number, the fewer drafts you’ll experience.

Range: ≤ 0.3

Look for: Low numbers


NFRC window label

 

NFRC also has a condensation rating that is optional for manufacturers to include, so you may or may not see it on the label. The higher the number, the better a product resists condensation. Download the optional label.

Product Description

Description of the door frame or glass.

Glass Area

Amount of glass in door by area.

Door-specific Rating

The circled value shows you the rating a door has received. Each rating is split into two values: Solar Heat Gain, and U-Factor.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures how well a product can resist unwanted direct or indirect solar radiation. This radiation can cause your home to heat regardless of outside temperature, which may be favorable or unfavorable depending on whether you’re heating or cooling your home. In summer months, a low solar heat gain coefficient helps to keep your home cool. In winter months, a higher solar heat gain coefficient can help to keep your home warm.

Range: 0-1

Look for: Low numbers in cooling conditions; high numbers in heating conditions.

U-Factor measures how well a product can keep heat from escaping from the inside of a room. The lower the number, the better a product is at keeping heat in.

Range: 0.00-2.00

Look for: Low numbers


NFRC Window Label

NFRC provides free fact sheets to help retailers sell more products. Download Fact Sheet here.

Ready to buy? See a list of certified NFRC products.

ENERGY STAR

How is the NFRC label different than the ENERGY STAR label?

Think of it this way: the ENERGY STAR label tells you that a product is energy-efficient. The NFRC helps you compare between energy-efficient products by giving you independent ratings in several energy performance categories.