Are there any differences between AFRC and NFRC?
The AFRC uses NFRC processes and procedures where ever possible. Due to some differences in products between the US and Australia, some new testing techniques have been developed to cater to Australian products.
The output values from the testing are comparable between the NFRC and AFRC, however as Australia is using metric units the numbers will be different. The testing software allows simulators to switch between Imperial and Metric units, giving the option to have both values.
How will I know if the values are imperial or metric?
An imperial unit will have a much lower numerical value than metric value. The measure of units for Imperial is Btu/h-ft2-F and the units for metric are W/m2-K.
Is a NFRC U-Value of 2.5 the same as an AFRC U-Value of 2.5?
No. NFRC rated products often have a U-factor much lower than the same product’s AFRC rating. This is due to the different units of measurement and it is important that the rating used for compliance within Australia is measured in W/m²K.
Is AFRC accredited by or affiliated with the government?
AFRC is recognised by the government as an independent body to monitor the performance Ratings of fenestration products and ensure that there is a national standard of these ratings to maintain a fair, credible and accurate standard of performance information.
What is AccuRate?
- Accurate is a simulation software used to rate residential buildings in Australia.
- It is used to calculate annual totals of hourly heating and cooling energy requirement for residential buildings.
- A star rating is given .The star rating – from 0 to 10 stars – is based on the sum of the annual heating and cooling requirements for the home.
- The more stars, the more comfortable and energy-efficient the home is likely to be.
- Accurate is the second generation of residential energy rating software for Australia from CSIRO.
- AccuRate is available commercially from Hearne Scientific Software.
- Accredited assessors use AccuRate to understand and improve the heating and cooling energy efficiency of residential building designs.
- AccuRate is the benchmark software set by the Australian Government DCCEE. All other software programs must fall within 2% of the accurate rating in order to be used for compliance to the building code.
What is BERS?
- A second generation of residential energy rating software developed by Solar Logic to simulate and analyse the thermal performance of Australian houses.
- For more info visit the site: http://www.solarlogic.com.au/bers-pro
What is Fenestration?
Any opening in a building’s envelope including windows, doors and skylights. (NFRC def)
What is FirstRate?
- FirstRate like Accurate is a second generation of residential energy rating software developed by the Victorian Government to rate the potential energy efficiency of Australian homes.
- For more info visit the site: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/1491-energy-rating-with-firstrate.asp
What is SHGC?
SHGC measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both directly transmitted, and absorbed and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits.
What is the AFRC and is it related to the NFRC?
The NFRC is the National Fenestration Rating Council, it is a US based organisation which develops procedures and control energy ratings of all Fenestration products in the US. The AFRC is an international partner to the NFRC by which all the same processes and procedures are followed.
What is U-Value?
U-value measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. It is a measure of the rate of non solar heat loss or gain through a material or assembly. U-value ratings generally fall between 2.0-10.0 W/m2.K for Australian products. The lower the U-value, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.
What product does AFRC rate?
- Any fenestration product
- These include windows, skylights and curtain walls.
- For a comprehensive listing of the products AFRC rates please refer to the AFRC Technical Protocols and Procedures Manual
What is HERO?
Home Energy Rating and Optimisation is a next generation energy modelling tool used to optimise building designs and show NatHERS Energy-Rating compliance for residential buildings within Australia. Hero is a NatHERS Accredited Software providing the modelling capabilities and accuracy required to meet the NatHERS Software Accreditation Protocol.