National Energy Rating System
A Comprehensive System
The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) in conjunction with the UK glazing industry and European partners has designed a window rating system to meet the need for simple and accurate information system which can be used to provide energy efficiency information that is easily understood and can be used to compare fenestration products. The simple 'U Value' does not fulfil these requirements because it only focuses on the heat loss from the window and takes no account of the solar heat gain through windows which can improve the overall energy efficiency of the house. From 1 October 2010, all newly manufactured windows are required to attain at least a 'C' rating on the BFRC system.
Window Energy Rating
The BFRC provides third party certification for the total thermal performance of windows using a 'fair, accurate and credible' assessment scheme. Window energy rating:
- allows consumers to rapidly compare the energy efficiency of competing products.
- allows specifiers to select windows based on a validated performance figure.
- allows legislators and others to ensure that fitted windows meet the legal requirements.
- allows energy agencies to direct support to energy efficient products.
- provides a method to link thermal window performance to other thermal assessment systems.
The A-G Scale
Windows are rated using the A to G scale on the basis of their total energy efficiency, where an A-rated window is more energy efficient than a G-rated window. Consumers and specifiers can quickly and easily choose the most suitable window for their needs. The system can be used to verify that legal requirements are met and energy agencies can verify that window meets their criteria for support.
Calculating the Rating
The Window Energy rating assesses the whole window energy performance and covers the frame material, the frame design, the glass type and all the other components that make up the window. The rating is carried out by computer simulation of the product to European Standards and the use of climate data and building models. This gives a single number that can be used to compare the energy performance of a window simply and quickly.
Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Recommended logo has been developed by the Energy Saving Trust to distinguish the most energy efficient products on the market. The Energy Saving Trust is an independent, non-profit making organisation backed by the Government. Its aim is to cut emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas causing climate change, by promoting the sustainable and efficient use of energy.
Since 1 October 2010, only windows with a 'B' rating or higher are eligible to be endorsed by the Energy Saving Trust and to use the Energy Saving Recommended logo (subject to approval).
Take me to the Energy Saving Trust website
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