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EXCEEDING THE CODE... What's it all about?
NFRC Certification
NFRC Certification is required for all replacement windows purchased in the state of Massachusetts for use
in low rise residential (heated or air conditioned) living space. The NFRC label measures the overall performance
of a window in 3 areas: Visible light transmission, solar heat gain, and heat flow through the window (U-Value). The U-Value
requirement is the one gaining most attention because Massachusetts has set the maximum allowable U-Value for replacement
windows at .44 (the lower the U-Value the better the window performance). To meet this standard, all vinyl windows will
require at least the user of Low-E Glass. All replacement and new construction windows distributed by S.R.W. are NFRC Certified and their test
results exceed Massachusetts' requirements.
Energy Star Program
The Energy Star window program unites the window manufacturer with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in setting
and achieving designated energy saving performance criteria for various regions of the country. The program encourages
manufacturers to make the most energy efficient windows possible and also promotes the sale of thoe products through consumer
awareness. The U-Value requirement for Energy Star Certification in the greater Boston area is .35. To achieve this level of
superior thermal performance, most window manufacturers combine a top quality Low-E glass with a gas (trapped between the panes of
glass) such as Argon, and a warm edge type of spacer system.
In short, Energy Star qualified products use less energy than conventional products. And money isn't all you're
saving by purchasing products that use less energy - you're also helping to save the environment. For more information on
Energy Star, visit www.energystar.gov.
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