The BFRC Scheme is the UK's national system for rating the energy efficiency of windows, recognised within the Building Regulations as a method to show compliance for replacement window installation. Window Energy Ratings use a consumer-friendly traffic-light style A-E ratings guide similar to that used on 'white' goods such as fridges and freezers. This ratings label can be used by purchasers to make more informed choices about the energy efficiency of windows. With carbon emissions and the cost of fuel high on the global agenda, consumers are looking for ways to make their homes more energy efficient. Each BFRC-rated product rated has the following information:

1. The rating level - A, B, C, etc. 2. The energy rating, eg. -3kWh/(m"-K) In this example the product will lose 3 kilowatt hours per square metre per year. 3. The window U value eg. 1.4W/(m"-K) 4. The effective heat loss due to air penetration as L eg. 0.01 W/(m"-K) 5. The solar heat gain, eg. g=0.43

Simply put, this will determine how well a product will perform the functions of helping to contain and conserve heat within buildings in the winter, keeping out the wind, resisting condensation and contributing to improved sound insulation.