Component Modeling Approach

Commercial Product Certification Program

Component Modeling Approach

NFRC 705: Component Modeling Approach Product Certification Program

The Component Modeling Approach (CMA) is an online database of energy performance information for window, door, and skylight components, which offers the following:

Helps non-residential manufacturers see how changing one component can affect overall energy efficiency.
Provides information on which components can be combined.
Determines whole product energy performance ratings for fenestration systems.

Read the full Commercial Building Fenestration Market report and watch the video presentation on the report (linked to the right).

For more information on the commercial program, please contact:

Kevin Louder, Senior Manager, Commercial Program

7-Step CMA Certification Process

1. Review the NFRC 705-CMA Product Certification Program document.

Guidelines and program requirements to participate and achieve product certification.

2. Sign and return all of the required CMA forms:

License Agreement - The license agreement covers the approved use of the NFRC name and logo on authorized products.
CMA Software Tool (CMAST) Supplemental Registration Form-Provides NFRC with contact information, what CMAST role is desired, and indicates how your company will use CMA.
Sales Affidavit-Indicates company total sales revenue (based on all products, not just NFRC rated) so NFRC fees can be assessed properly.

3. Select and hire an NFRC-accredited Inspection Agency (IA).

An Inspection Agency (IA) is authorized by NFRC to conduct specific services for the CMA Product Certification Program and will guide you through the entire CMA process.

4. Select and hire an NFRC-accredited Simulation Lab and Test Lab.

The simulation lab and test lab will review your product catalog and determine the number of spacer and frame components to be rated based on the requirements of NFRC 100/200 standards.

Once the specific frame and spacer product lines/components are identified: The simulator models the product(s) and determines the energy performance characteristics and uploads them to CMAST component libraries.

5. Send a baseline product to the NFRC accredited test lab (frame manufacturers only).

Baseline products vary in accordance with the results of frame components simulated. The IA will assist with verification of the baseline product to be tested.

6. Await IA validation.

Your IA will review the simulation and test results, and compare them to the original drawings and specifications submitted to your accredited labs. Once the IA determines the frame component simulation and test results validate per NFRC 100 requirements, they will approve the frame components for use in NFRC label certificates. Spacer component simulation results are reviewed for compliance with the original drawings, NFRC 100 requirements, and BOM; but no testing is required. Once approved, spacer components are available in CMAST for use in NFRC Label Certificates.

7. Begin paying annual participation and component fees.

Your frame and spacer components are now available for use in CMAST. NFRC will issue your initial participation invoice per NFRC 704 (fee schedule) based on the date of your initial spacer or frame component upload to CMAST.

Benefits of Participating for Component Manufacturers

Ensures energy code compliance -- know your product will be rated by the only allowable compliance method in ASHRAE 90.1, IECC, CA Title 24, and any other state/local energy codes.

Adds credibility to your brand, consumer trust, and potentially increased sales.

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