Recent legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives seeks to restore the Section 25C tax credits for energy efficient fenestration products.
The credit, which expired at the end of 2011, was reintroduced under The Home Energy Savings Act (H.R. 6398) by Representatives Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) and Richard Neal (D-Mass.).
Many industry experts believe the Section 25C tax credit would help stimulate jobs while enabling homeowners to save money by reducing their energy consumption. Others support the tax credit as facilitating the sale of higher-performing fenestration products.
According to WDMA, the new bill would initially extend the credit at the 2011 levels of 10 percent (up to $200) for windows and skylights and 10 percent (up to $500) for doors through 2013. Beginning in 2014, the credit would expand to 10 percent (up to $1,000) for all qualifying products, including Energy Star windows, doors, and skylights. Beginning in 2014, installation costs would also be eligible for the credit.
WDMA further states that data from the Internal Revenue Service shows the Section 25C tax credit helped Americans invest over $25 billion in remodeling and efficiency upgrades during 2009.
Details
Friday, September 21, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
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:
“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.”
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
“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.”
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
California’s 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards are First Ever to Include Dynamic Glazing and Window Films
The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently approved the nation's most stringent energy efficiency standards for residential and commercial buildings, and the new requirements for the thermal performance of windows are expected to contribute to the estimated 25 percent reduction in statewide energy use.
The new standards require more efficient residential windows to allow increased sunlight while decreasing heat gain. Additionally, the standards require the addition of sensors to allow the optimal use of daylighting in nonresidential high-performance windows. While both of these changes are predicted to spur improvements, it is the finer details of how the new standards will accomplish this that will have the most influence, the fenestration industry.
According to Nelson Peña, Associate Mechanical Engineer of the California Energy Commission’s (CEC), the approval of these standards is groundbreaking for the fenestration industry because it is the first time in any energy code that dynamic glazing (chromogenic glazing and integrated shaded system) and window films, as new technology, have ever been included.
Window films are described in Title 24, Part 6, as being used for retrofitting existing serviceable windows (single and double pane window) or alterations to existing windows. Peña emphasizes that window films are not to be used for new-construction projects, but mostly likely be seen used in existing commercial buildings.
Additionally, window films or applied window films must be NFRC-certified to receive credit for the applied film efficiencies and must have a 10 year warranty and can only be modeled using computer performance approach.
The requirement for automatic controls for chromogenic glazing is also a novel inclusion in the new California requirements. Peña says that unlike the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), CEC implemented this requirement in order to assure usage of the best rated values.
The new 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, approved on May 31, 2012 by a 4-0 vote, are expected to reduce energy use throughout the state by at least 25 percent and will go into effect on January 1, 2014.
CEC Energy Commissioner, Karen Douglas said, “The update for building standards is the biggest incremental improvement in efficiency that we've ever made in California."
Within the first year of implementation, the Standards are projected to add up to 3,500 new building industry jobs. Over the long-term, the new standards are expected to save enough electricity to power 1.7 million homes and avoid the need to construct six new power plants.
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) recognizes the many benefits of building energy codes, which are minimum requirements for efficient design and construction. These requirements include contributing to sustainability, lowering operating costs in residential and non-residential buildings, and creating healthier and more comfortable living and working conditions.
In fact, understanding building energy codes helps people choose the windows, doors, and skylights that maximize these benefits, and NFRC's Certified Products Directory (CPD) can help. Users can quickly and easily compare products and acquire the energy performance information they need to meet or exceed the building energy codes in their location.
The new standards require more efficient residential windows to allow increased sunlight while decreasing heat gain. Additionally, the standards require the addition of sensors to allow the optimal use of daylighting in nonresidential high-performance windows. While both of these changes are predicted to spur improvements, it is the finer details of how the new standards will accomplish this that will have the most influence, the fenestration industry.
According to Nelson Peña, Associate Mechanical Engineer of the California Energy Commission’s (CEC), the approval of these standards is groundbreaking for the fenestration industry because it is the first time in any energy code that dynamic glazing (chromogenic glazing and integrated shaded system) and window films, as new technology, have ever been included.
Window films are described in Title 24, Part 6, as being used for retrofitting existing serviceable windows (single and double pane window) or alterations to existing windows. Peña emphasizes that window films are not to be used for new-construction projects, but mostly likely be seen used in existing commercial buildings.
Additionally, window films or applied window films must be NFRC-certified to receive credit for the applied film efficiencies and must have a 10 year warranty and can only be modeled using computer performance approach.
The requirement for automatic controls for chromogenic glazing is also a novel inclusion in the new California requirements. Peña says that unlike the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), CEC implemented this requirement in order to assure usage of the best rated values.
The new 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, approved on May 31, 2012 by a 4-0 vote, are expected to reduce energy use throughout the state by at least 25 percent and will go into effect on January 1, 2014.
CEC Energy Commissioner, Karen Douglas said, “The update for building standards is the biggest incremental improvement in efficiency that we've ever made in California."
Within the first year of implementation, the Standards are projected to add up to 3,500 new building industry jobs. Over the long-term, the new standards are expected to save enough electricity to power 1.7 million homes and avoid the need to construct six new power plants.
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) recognizes the many benefits of building energy codes, which are minimum requirements for efficient design and construction. These requirements include contributing to sustainability, lowering operating costs in residential and non-residential buildings, and creating healthier and more comfortable living and working conditions.
In fact, understanding building energy codes helps people choose the windows, doors, and skylights that maximize these benefits, and NFRC's Certified Products Directory (CPD) can help. Users can quickly and easily compare products and acquire the energy performance information they need to meet or exceed the building energy codes in their location.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Windows to Be Incorporated into ENERGY STAR’s “Most Efficient” Program
During a stakeholder meeting hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on August 27, fenestration-related organizations learned that windows will be incorporated into ENERGY STAR’S ® “Most Efficient” program.
The program’s project manager, Doug Anderson, said the designation will not include a label to be affixed to products, but pointed out that a label may be included in various promotional tools such as Websites and other display materials.
Anderson added that the windows program will be comparable to the EPA’s existing program for heating and cooling equipment.
The final ENERGY STAR ® criteria are expected to be published in October 2012.
The program’s project manager, Doug Anderson, said the designation will not include a label to be affixed to products, but pointed out that a label may be included in various promotional tools such as Websites and other display materials.
Anderson added that the windows program will be comparable to the EPA’s existing program for heating and cooling equipment.
The final ENERGY STAR ® criteria are expected to be published in October 2012.
Monday, August 27, 2012
California Window Film Industry Anticipating New Business, Respect
With the upcoming implementation of the new California Building Codes, many involved in the window film industry are anticipating increased business and new respect for the products they produce or supply.
“It’s a credibility thing,” said Mark Rascon, owner of Daystar Window Tinting. “Now window film products are going to be recognized as true building materials by other industries and trades.”
Taking effect in January 2014, the new California codes require window films to be NFRC-certified and provide a 10-year warranty while adhering to the Visual Quality Standards of the International Window Film Association (IWFA).
Rascon says this change will help companies like his gain new business and improve public perception by showing that window film products are a viable part of a true energy cost-cutting initiative.
Window film manufacturers can certify the energy performance ratings of their products through the National Fenestration Rating Council's (NFRC) certification program. This program provides an independent, third-party verification of window film performance that allows consumers to compare products and make more informed purchasing decisions.
Details
“It’s a credibility thing,” said Mark Rascon, owner of Daystar Window Tinting. “Now window film products are going to be recognized as true building materials by other industries and trades.”
Taking effect in January 2014, the new California codes require window films to be NFRC-certified and provide a 10-year warranty while adhering to the Visual Quality Standards of the International Window Film Association (IWFA).
Rascon says this change will help companies like his gain new business and improve public perception by showing that window film products are a viable part of a true energy cost-cutting initiative.
Window film manufacturers can certify the energy performance ratings of their products through the National Fenestration Rating Council's (NFRC) certification program. This program provides an independent, third-party verification of window film performance that allows consumers to compare products and make more informed purchasing decisions.
Details
Monday, August 20, 2012
Nearly 120 Billion Square Feet of Energy Efficient Housing Expected by 2020
A new report from Pike Research says construction of new energy efficient homes, and retrofits of existing buildings, will increase at a compound annual growth rate of 42 percent between 2012 and 2020.
This is expected to produce 118.6 billion square feet of energy efficient residential space while driving an annual market value of $84 billion by 2020.
Pike Research defines energy efficient homes as properties built to exceed the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by at least 15 percent on a kilowatt-hour per square foot basis.
The report created by Pike Research is entitled, "Energy Efficient Homes." It analyzes the global market opportunity for energy efficient homes, focusing on key market segments such as building envelope improvements.
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) offers a wide range of educational and training programs designed to help consumers and industry professionals better understand the role fenestration products play in contributing to improved energy efficiency and contributing to the growth of green building and sustainability.
Visit our Website to learn more.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Researchers at UCLA Developing Film to Harness Solar Power
While still undergoing refinement for introduction into the mainstream marketplace, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a transparent film that can be applied to windows to harness solar power.
The film is currently only able to convert about four percent of the infrared light into electricity, compared to commercially available solar products which are able to convert about 12.4 percent. UCLA researchers are working to improve the film’s capability to 11 percent infrared conversion to electricity, and they are also developing methods to apply the film via a spray-on application, which promises to make the product affordable for consumers.
One professor at UCLA’s California NanoSystems Institute estimates the film will eventually be available at an installation cost of about $10-$15 for an average home window. Several commercial companies have already expressed interest in the product, but they have not yet been named.
The National Fenestration Rating Council's (NFRC) Certified Products Directory (CPD) contains 258 window film product lines from nine companies.
Details
The film is currently only able to convert about four percent of the infrared light into electricity, compared to commercially available solar products which are able to convert about 12.4 percent. UCLA researchers are working to improve the film’s capability to 11 percent infrared conversion to electricity, and they are also developing methods to apply the film via a spray-on application, which promises to make the product affordable for consumers.
One professor at UCLA’s California NanoSystems Institute estimates the film will eventually be available at an installation cost of about $10-$15 for an average home window. Several commercial companies have already expressed interest in the product, but they have not yet been named.
The National Fenestration Rating Council's (NFRC) Certified Products Directory (CPD) contains 258 window film product lines from nine companies.
Details
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