NFRC's New Consumer-Oriented Website Educates Consumers with Non-Technical Approach

Purchasing windows is a significant investment for most consumers, but making educated choices just got easier thanks to the National Fenestration Rating Council’s new, consumer-oriented Website.

Launched on August 1, 2012 and available at www.windowratings.org, this comprehensive resource empowers consumers to compare the energy performance of windows so they can acquire the knowledge and confidence they need to weigh all of their options and make educated choices.

According to NFRC’s CEO, Jim Benney, the site is designed to change the way consumers shop for windows by providing non-technical explanations to technical questions related to energy performance.

“We intentionally kept the content non-technical because we’re assuming most of our visitors are researching the energy performance of windows for the first time,” Benney said. “But we’ve also provided many links for those seeking more technical information.”

NFRC’s Website was built specifically to avoid duplicating information that is readily available elsewhere.

“Our accomplishment is the consumer’s reward,” Benney added. “Before starting this project, we examined all the information currently available on the World Wide Web and realized consumers needed guidance that was more relatable and easier to act on.”  

Two of the biggest concerns most consumers have when shopping for windows are how well the product will keep their homes cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. NFRC’s Website addresses the following categories to help them make this determination, suit their personal preferences, and anticipate energy savings:

• Anatomy of a Window – Graphical representation of the cross section of a window, including an explanation of the components that make up the whole product
• The NFRC Label – Example of the NFRC Label with hover-over explanations of what each rating means
  
• Shopping Guide – A simple 1-2-3 guide with printable information to take to the store or point of purchase

Choosing windows is usually a once-in-a-lifetime consideration for most consumers, and NFRC grasps the importance of preparing them to enter the marketplace with the knowledge they need to get what they want. 

“Our new Website provides consumers with the educational materials that deliver clear, unbiased information on what to look for in a window purchase, and it explains how the NFRC Label can be used as a tool to make fair product comparisons,” Benney concluded. “We’re giving consumers exactly what they need, exactly when the need it.”