• October

    2

    2014
  • 2947
  • 0

NFRC and Window Films

If you glance at a window film manufacturer’s list of statistics and your eyes may glaze over due to the sheer volume of data. All of this information is and has always been tested, verified and provided by the manufacturer itself. But third party verification is now on the horizon. Enter the NFRC: the National Fenestration Rating Council. The NFRC is a 30-year-old organization that administers the only uniform, independent rating system for windows, doors, etc. All new windows come with this sticker on it. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) (upper right) relates to how much heat the glass cuts down, U-factor (upper left) relates to heat loss. Window film, on the other hand, does not use this system.

All film uses Total Solar Energy Rejected or Heat Gain Reduction as the means of measuring heat rejection. You can figure an SHGC but you would still be using the manufacturer’s numbers. Thus, comes the NFRC certification, to add credibility to the manufacturer’s numbers. Plus, it will make sure that the playing field is level between manufacturers. Furthermore, entry into the ENERGY STAR program is a possibility now for window films. While the NFRC board approved procedures for film in early 2005, everything should be in place by mid-2006. Certified energy ratings for window film will be soon upon us, which is good news for both window film installers, like us, and anyone else who wants better performance out of their glass.

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