Thermal Performance - NFRC® / ENERGY STAR® Information
Architectural Traditions' windows meet stringent energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. These guidelines are based on the heat gain and loss of each product in various regions of the country. See the following charts for windows that are ENERGY STAR (2010) qualified.
Architectural Traditions windows were evaluated in full compliance with NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council)® requirements to the standards listed below.
| Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product U-Factors | |
| NFRC 200-2004 | Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product Solar Heat Gain Coefficient & Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence |
| NFRC 500-2004 | Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product Condensation Resistance Values |
These products are rated, certified, and labeled by NFRC®, a non-profit organization that provides for accurate and credible energy performance ratings for windows and doors. Performance data shown is based on use of Architectural Traditions' eco-Performance™ glass.
eco-Performance Glass™
- Thicker: Standard unit ¾" dual glazed (Optional 1" dual glazed*)
- High performance composite spacer; matte, dark bronze finish
- Available in TDL (True-Divided Lite) or SDL (Simulated Divided Lite) options
- Improved energy performance
- Improved sound absorption
- High wind load resistance
- 20 year limited warranty
* Glass over 20 square feet or glass height over 9' is 1" thick as a standard.
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a Federal Tax Credit of up to 30% of the purchase price with a maximum credit of $1,500 is offered for qualifying improvements (windows, doors, insulation, furnace, etc.) to non-business properties (homes). The credit is combined over 2009/2010 for eligible and qualifying products purchased and installed from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010. In the bill, windows and doors meeting the following criteria are eligible: 1) a U-Factor of less than or equal of 0.30, and, 2) a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of less than or equal to 0.30. New Congressional legislation is pending.
- U-Factor indicates how well a glazing system insulates by measuring the resistance of heat transfer through glass. The lower the number, the better the insulation.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) compares the glazing system to that of an unobstructed opening by measuring how well the system blocks heat from the sun. The lower the SHGC, the better a product is at blocking unwanted heat gain.
- Visual Transmittance (VT) measures the UV radiated wavelengths transmitted through the glazing system. The higher the VT, the higher the potential for daylighting.
Testing performed by Architectural Testing located in Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota.