Members Concerned Over “Stars” Rating for Attachments

Several members have expressed their concern over the viability of the use of stars on the attachments label as a method for enabling consumers to compare energy performance.

One opponent believes it would create confusion because of the sheer number of products that would have the same rating. Another opponent believes consumers consistently prefer using U-factor and SHGC ratings.

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), however, pointed out that it is not telling the industry to use stars. Instead, it is calling for the use of a ratings system that is clear, meaningful, and provides an accurate method for helping consumers compare similar attachment products.

Additional Perspective

The National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) Board of Directors agrees that a “Stars” rating on an attachment label meets the direction it previously approved.

Additional information on the label may be provided as long as it continues to meet Board direction and as long as the rating not be stated as a U-Factor and/or SHGC numerical rating.

This, however, does not exclude the use of U-factor and SHGC numerical data from other NFRC material related to attachments.

The discussion on the attachments label will continue during the afternoon session.

What Do you Think?

How do you feel about the use of the stars or other icons on the NFRC attachments label?

Some say the use of stars would be more meaningful for consumers because such ratings are commonly used for hotels and movies and are therefore easier to identify with. Does this suggest the use of stars would be equally as meaningful in the fenestration industry?

What alternative ideas do you have?