Why Independent, Third-Party Performance Testing Is Important for Home Windows

With all the window manufacturers and dealers out there that are touting the benefits of their windows, it can be challenging to sort through the options and determine which windows will really do what they say. After all, just about every window manufacturer or distributor today is talking about the energy efficiency of their windows. But just how energy efficient is one window versus the next?

Turning to independent, third-party performance testing data can provide you with the answers you’re looking for. These organizations focus on providing performance data on different windows so that you can compare apples to apples when evaluating different options. Additionally, the organizations that perform this testing are not trying to sell a specific brand of window. Therefore, you can trust their data to provide accurate and unbiased information.

Some Third-Party Organizations You Should Know

Different products will have different organizations dedicated to providing performance testing and ratings, and windows are no different. If you’re trying to evaluate different window options, here are two important third-party organizations you should know about:

  • ENERGY STAR® – You’ve likely seen the ENERGY STAR label on a variety of products, including windows. This program is run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) and is focused on energy efficiency. There are a number of factors that can make a window more—or less—energy efficient, and the ENERGY STAR rating provides one measure of this efficiency.
  • National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) – The NFRC is a nonprofit organization that provides performance ratings for windows in a variety of categories, including air leakage, U-value, condensation resistance, and more. Focused exclusively on windows, the data provided by the NFRC is extremely beneficial for contractors, homeowners, building code officials, and many other individuals that need to know how a given window can be expected to perform.

Regency Plus Windows: A Trusted Window Manufacturer

Since 1997, Regency Plus Windows has been a trusted name in the window manufacturing business. We produce high-quality, hurricane-rated windows that are designed to meet current and future building code requirements. We are proud to offer windows that are ENERGY STAR rated and NFRC certified, both directly to homeowners and through our extensive network of dealers. If you’d like to learn more about the windows we manufacture or any of their certifications, contact Regency Plus Windows today.