The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) rates the energy performance of windows, doors and skylights. What you may not know is that they also independently certify the performance of window film. Because the ratings are independent, you can trust NFRC-rated window film products. Other ratings come from the manufacturers, and as you can imagine, they may be biased. The NFRC has a credible and fair rating system that they use on the products they certify.
Why the NFRC Rates Window Film
So why does the NFRC rate solar window film? Windows have a huge impact on the energy efficiency of the home. Unfortunately, just because windows are old or inefficient doesn’t mean that homeowners are in a position to replace them. Even newer windows may not be that efficient, especially in modern homes that have large windows to make the home appear bigger and brighter.
To help homeowners make their homes more efficient, they turn to window film. Solar film is beneficial for homeowners who can’t afford new windows, homes that can’t structurally support the weight of new windows and instances where temporary measures are needed. Window tinting is also a good option for landlords who want to improve the efficiency of the home for tenants without spending a lot of money.
The benefits of solar tinting include:
- Increased security
- Enhanced privacy
- Reduced fading and glare
- Improved energy efficiency
- Reduced UVA rays
- Enhanced appearance
How to Read an NFRC Label
When shopping for window film, you can look for NFRC-rated products which carry the NFRC label. There are four sections on the label that provides consumers with visual illustrations of what the ratings mean. You can learn more about the ratings by visiting the NFRC website.
Here’s a quick breakdown.
- U-factor: Measures the heat from inside a room that can escape. The lower the number, the lower the potential for wasting heat.
- Visible transmittance: Measures how much natural light can come into a room. The higher the number, the more natural light enters.
- Solar heat gain coefficient: Measures the amount of outdoor heat that can enter a room. The lower the number, the lower the potential for wasting cool air.
- Air leakage: Measures how much air will enter a room. The lower the number, the lower the potential for draft.
Here is a great resource for better understanding the NFRC label. Not all products have this certification, and that’s okay. But when you do come across this certification, you’ll know exactly what the film is rated on and how it will perform in different areas.
