Testing, Ratings & Data
Shopping for
new energy-efficient windows can be confusing. Where do you begin? How do you decide which window will perform better than the others? Where do you obtain unbiased facts?
Well, these are all questions that have been asked by many consumers. The
window industry is finally responding. The voluntary performance rating and labeling system is designed to provide accurate information to homeowners.
Do you remember comparing fuel economy stickers on automobiles? It showed you how many miles per gallon the car would get in the city and highway. Companies that have their
windows tested and certified, both structurally and thermally, are assuring you that the products being installed in your home are identical to the tested products in both construction and performance. Be sure to buy a
window that is tested, certified and labeled.
NAMI CERTIFICATION LABEL
The National Accreditation and Management Institute (NAMI) is an independent company which provides third party certification and inspection services to the fenestration industry. This gold label is a “guarantee” from the manufacturer that the product satisfies the requirements through American Architectural Manufacturing Association (AAMA) standards. Therefore, the products must meet the applicable standards and second, prove continuous compliance to the standards.
This certification label indicates the standard to which the product was tested, a code or name (to provide traceability) of the manufacturing facility, the structural performance level achieved, the series or model name of the product and other information pertinent to that product.
CAUTION: Only products bearing certification labels are considered certified products.
NFRC LABEL
The National Fenestration Rating Council is a non-profit organization created to provide accurate information to measure and compare the energy performance of window, door or skylight products.
Below is an example of a NFRC Label with each section clearly explained. Shopping for energy-efficient windows can be confusing. The 2 most important values to look for are
U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Use this label to truly compare energy performance ratings or visit the Efficient Windows Collaborative (EWC) web site for more information.
FACT: Architects purchase only windows that are certified and labeled.
1. This is the name of the
window manufacturer.
2. Look for this label for assurance that this
window has been independently rated using a procedure established by the NFRC. Although other labels may be present, the
NFRC label is your best source of energy performance information.
3. The NFRC rating is a numerical value which represents the applicable energy performance characteristic. Residential (or "AA”) and Non-Residential (or “BB”) are NFRC size designations. Representative test sizes are compared among different manufacturers.
4. U-factor is a measure of heat transfer by the entire
window (frame, sash and glass), either into or out of the building. A smaller
U-factor will provide a window which is more comfortable to sit next to on cold days. Try to
purchase a window with the lowest
U-Factor.
5. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a measure of the solar energy entering the building through the entire window. A lower SHGC will reduce air conditioning costs and provide a more comfortable window to sit next to on hot days.
6. Visible Light Transmission (VLT) is a measure of the amount of visible light entering through the window. This measurement is not a percentage, but rather a rating between 0 and 1 with zero blocking out visible light and one allowing all visible light to enter the room. (A double pane of clear insulated glass has a VLT of .59)
7. This is the manufacturer’s description of the labeled product.
ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE GUIDE TO WINDOW SELECTION IN OHIO
Code: 2006 International Energy Conservation Code
This guide is designed to help select windows, doors and skylights that will meet the requirements of the 2006 IECC for residential buildings as it relates to Ohio. The IECC assigns the counties in the state of Ohio in two climate zones. The requirements vary for each zone as detailed in the window selection requirements found on the back of this sheet. The requirements in the 2006 IECC are the same for windows used in new buildings, remodeling and additions to existing buildings, and as replacements of existing windows.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Use the color-coded map or list of counties to
locate the IECC climate zone in which construction is taking place.
2. Use the “Table of IECC Requirements for Window Selection in Ohio” below to determine the window performance requirements associated with the climate zone.
3. Construct the home with windows that have area weighted average U-factor and SHGC values less than or equal to the values for the climate zone and meet the code maximum air leakage requirements.
IECC Climate Zone 4 (Yellow)
Adams, Brown, Clermont, Gallia, Hamilton, Lawrence, Pike, Scioto, Washington
IECC Climate Zone 5 (Green)
Allen, Ashland, Ashtabula, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Butler, Carroll, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Columbiana, Coshocton, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Darke, Defiance, Delaware, Erie, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Geauga, Greene, Guernsey, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Huron, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lake, Pickaway, Logan, Lorain, Lucas, Madison, Mahoning, Marion, Medina, Meigs, Mercer, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Ottawa, Paulding, Perry, Pickaway, Portage, Preble, Lucas Putnam, Richland, Ross, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Union, Van Wert, Vinton, Warren, Wayne, Williams, Wood, Wyandot
The 2006 International Energy Conservation Code
The 2006 IECC was adopted during the 2005
International Code Council (ICC) code cycle
and is currently available to states for adoption.
It is published by the International Code
Council. For additional details or to obtain a
copy of the 2006 IECC, contact the ICC by
phone or visit their website at
www.iccsafe.org.
The IECC is the national model energy
standard certified by the U.S. Department of
Energy pursuant to the Energy Policy Act
(EPAct). EPAct requires that all states review
and consider adopting the IECC as the state
building energy code.
TABLE OF IECC REQUIREMENTS FOR WINDOW SELECTION IN OHIO
Simplified Prescriptive Paths for Compliance with the 2006 IECC for Windows in New
Buildings and Remodeling & Replacement Windows
Package Window & Door U-Factor Skylight U-Factor Window, Door & Skylight SHGC
Climate Zone 4 0.40 0.60 NR
Climate Zone 5 0.35 0.60 NR
"NR" means no requirement is specified in this package.
Notes:
1. This table of
window requirements is based upon the 2006 IECC and does not
necessarily reflect the version of the IECC that may have been adopted by the
state or any state-specific amendments. The IECC specifies additional
requirements for other parts of the building envelope not listed here, such as
insulation for walls and ceilings.
2. This table applies to residential buildings as defined in the IECC for compliance
under the prescriptive approach. The 2006 IECC permits unlimited window area,
so long as the prescriptive requirements are satisfied. In addition to new
construction, this table of prescriptive requirements applies to all additions,
alterations and replacement fenestration.
3. "
Window" refers to glazed products in exterior walls of buildings, including glass
doors and glass block, along with the accompanying sashes, frames, etc. Windows
include all glazed products in the exterior of buildings that are not skylights.
"Skylight" refers to glazed products installed at a slope of 15 degrees or more
from vertical.
4. U-factor is a number, generally between 0.2 and 1.20, that indicates the rate of
heat loss (or gain) through a window. A lower
U-factor demonstrates a greater
resistance to heat loss and gain, i.e., better insulating value of the window. As a
result, a lower number produces greater winter comfort.
5. SHGC, or
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, is a number between 0 and 1 that indicates the fraction of radiation (heat) from the sun that is transmitted through the window; the lower the
SHGC, the less the amount of solar radiation that is
allowed to pass through the
window and become unwanted additional heat in the
summer. As a result, a lower number produces greater summer comfort.
6. Window and skylight
U-factor and SHGC values are maximum acceptable levels. An area-weighted average of fenestration products shall be permitted to satisfy the
U-factor and SHGC requirements. Up to 15 square feet of glazed fenestration is permitted to be exempt from the
U-factor and SHGC requirements.
7. Window U-factor and SHGC must be determined from a National Fenestration
Rating Council (NFRC) label on the product or from a limited table of product
default values in the IECC.
8. The code requires non-site-built windows be labeled in a manner to show they meet the IECC's air infiltration requirements; specifically, equal to or better than 0.30 cfm per square foot of window area (swinging doors below 0.50 cfm) as determined in accordance with NFRC 400, AAMA/WDMA 101/I.S.2, or
AAMA/WDMA 101/I.S.2/NAFS.
9. The labeled product
U-factor and SHGC should also be used in calculation procedures to properly size the home's HVAC equipment. The IECC requires these of an appropriate computational procedure to size equipment. Properly sized equipment will operate more efficiently and effectively and will save money up
front because builders and consumers can avoid paying extra for oversized equipment.
WORLDS BEST WINDOW COMPANY
Millennium 2000
Vinyl-Clad Wood Frame
Double Glaze - Argon Fill - Low E
Product Type: Vertical Slider
Energy Performance Ratings
• U-Factor (U.S./I-P) = 0.35
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient = 0.35
Additional Performance Ratings
• Visible Transmittance = 0.51
• Air Leak (U.S./I-P) = 0.2
• Condensation Resistance = 51
Manufactured stipulates that these ratings conform to applicable NFRC procedures for determining whole product performance. NFRC ratings are determined for a fixed set of environmental conditions and a specific product size. NFRC does not recommend any product and does not warrant the suitability of any product for any specific use. Consult manufacturers literature for product performance information.
Limitations
This guide is an energy code compliance aid for window selection in
Ohio, based upon the 2006 IECC and reflects the prescriptive values
from Table 402.1.1 of that code. This guide only addresses window
requirements and not the requirements applicable to the rest of the home.
It does not provide a guarantee that a home meets the IECC, nor is it a
guarantee that the home meets the energy code of the state. The guide
has not been customized to reflect the version of the IECC or any state-specific
amendments that Ohio may adopt or has adopted. For additional
details on Ohio's energy code, please contact your local building guide
official.
CERTIFIED PRODUCT DATA
Specifications — AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97, ASTM F 588
Stanek Windows UltraExtreme Series 5000
Product Design Pressure Max Width Max Height
Double Hung Windows H-R70 40 63
2-Lite Slider Windows HS-R50 63 44
3-Lite Slider Windows HS-R30 110 63
Fixed Picture Windows FW-R75 48 48
1-Lite Casement C-R60 36 72
3-Lite Casement C-R50 122 72
5-Lite Casement C-R35 150 72
2-Lite Patio Door SGD-R60 72 83
3-Lite Patio Door SGD-R60 108 83
ULTRAEXTREME™ DOUBLE-HUNG WINDOW
Glass Type U-Factor Visible Light Transmittance Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
No Grid Grid No
Grid Grid No Grid Grid
SB60 LowE / Argon 0.30 0.30 0.52 0.46 0.28 0.25
System 5 0.27 0.27 0.45 0.40 0.26 0.24
System 6 0.24 0.24 0.45 0.40 0.26 0.23
System 9 0.21 0.21 0.40 0.36 0.21 0.19
ULTRAEXTREME™ PICTURE WINDOW
Glass Type U-Factor Visible Light Transmittance Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
No Grid Grid No
Grid Grid No Grid Grid
SB60 LowE / Argon 0.28 0.28 0.56 0.49 0.30 0.27
System 5 0.24 0.24 0.48 0.43 0.28 0.25
System 6 0.22 0.23 0.48 0.43 0.27 0.24
System 9 0.18 0.18 0.43 0.38 0.23 0.20
ULTRAEXTREME™ TWO-LITE SLIDER WINDOW
Glass Type U-Factor Visible Light Transmittance Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
No Grid Grid No
Grid Grid No Grid Grid
SB60 LowE / Argon 0.29 0.29 0.52 0.46 0.28 0.25
System 5 0.26 0.26 0.45 0.40 0.26 0.23
System 6 0.24 0.23 0.45 0.40 0.25 0.23
System 9 0.20 0.20 0.40 0.35 0.21 0.19
ULTRAEXTREME™ THREE-LITE SLIDER WINDOW
Glass Type U-Factor Visible Light Transmittance Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
No Grid Grid No
Grid Grid No Grid Grid
SB60 LowE / Argon 0.29 0.29 0.52 0.46 0.28 0.25
System 5 0.26 0.26 0.45 0.40 0.26 0.23
System 6 0.24 0.23 0.45 0.40 0.25 0.23
System 9 0.20 0.20 0.40 0.35 0.21 0.19
ULTRAEXTREME™ TWO-LITE TILT & SLIDE WINDOW
Glass Type U-Factor Visible Light Transmittance Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
No Grid Grid No
Grid Grid No Grid Grid
SB60 LowE / Argon 0.29 0.29 0.52 0.46 0.28 0.25
System 5 0.26 0.26 0.45 0.40 0.26 0.23
System 6 0.24 0.23 0.45 0.40 0.25 0.23
System 9 0.20 0.20 0.40 0.35 0.21 0.19
ULTRAEXTREME™ THREE-LITE TILT & SLIDE WINDOW
Glass Type U-Factor Visible Light Transmittance Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
No Grid Grid No
Grid Grid No Grid Grid
SB60 LowE / Argon 0.29 0.29 0.52 0.46 0.28 0.25
System 5 0.26 0.26 0.45 0.40 0.26 0.23
System 6 0.24 0.23 0.45 0.40 0.25 0.23
System 9 0.20 0.20 0.40 0.35 0.21 0.19
SERIES 2000 ULTRA PATIO DOOR
Glass Type U-Factor Visible Light Transmittance Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
No Grid Grid No
Grid Grid No Grid Grid
SB60 LowE / Argon 0.31 0.31 0.53 0.46 0.29 0.25
System 5 0.26 0.26 0.46 0.40 0.26 0.23
System 6 0.24 0.24 0.46 0.40 0.26 0.23
System 9 0.20 0.21 0.41 0.35 0.22 0.19
ULTRAEXTREME™ CASEMENT & AWNING WINDOWS
Glass Type U-Factor Visible Light Transmittance Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
No Grid Grid No
Grid Grid No Grid Grid
SB60 LowE / Argon 0.27 0.27 0.44 0.39 0.24 0.22
System 5 0.23 0.24 0.38 0.34 0.22 0.20
System 6 0.22 0.22 0.38 0.34 0.22 0.20
System 9 0.19 0.19 0.34 0.30 0.18 0.17