What Does the Energy Star Window Label Mean?

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Energy Star is a label that is becoming one to be on the lookout for when purchasing items for your home.  It’s not the label of the latest designer to launch a home product line, but rather one that is displayed on products from multiple different companies.

It’s a label that gives you the confidence of knowing that the product will save you money on your energy bill.  With labeled Energy Star windows, they decrease the work that your heater and air conditioner have to do to keep your home a comfortable temperature. This is known as 'energy efficient' or 'energy efficiency'.

What Does the Energy Star Window Label Mean?

To be able to wear the Energy Star label, Energy Star replacement windows have to meet 3 main criteria.

1. They are made by an Energy Star partner.
2. The window is tested and certified by the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council).
3. The ratings from the NFRC have to meet the energy efficiency guidelines that are set by the DOE (Department of Energy).

Even after earning the right to be labeled as an Energy Star replacement window, the manufacturers must continue to comply with any changing requirements of the DOE.  If they do not meet the new criteria, their product will lose its Energy Star rating until the manufacturer can make the needed changes.

Are Energy Star Windows More Expensive?

Energy Star replacement windows can be more expensive.  Because of the criteria they have to meet to be labeled as an Energy Star window, they are a higher quality window.  This means that the construction of the window is precise and the materials used are quality materials and not just cheap panes of glass.

In the long run however, the higher amount paid for an Energy Star window will break even or better with the money you will save on your energy bill.  You will also be doing your part to help the environment by using up fewer resources to run your heater or air conditioner.

Where Do I Find Energy Star Windows?

Energy Star replacement windows are distinctly labeled with the Energy Star label. Andersen has been part of the ENERGY STAR program since its inception in 1998 and was the first window manufacturer awarded the ENERGY STAR National Window Partner of the Year in 1999. In 2010 and 2011, Andersen was honored for its leadership in manufacturing products that earn the ENERGY STAR moniker, and has been named Energy Star Partner of the Year for the second and third time in a row.

 

 

 

 

To learn more about how repleacement windows from Renewal by Andersen can help improve the energy efficiency of your home, visit us at a showroom near you, or call us in Louisville at (502) 266-7762 in Lexington at (859)271-1645.

Glass Options in Renewal by Andersen Replacement Windows

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Renewal by Andersen offers three different glass options:
1.    High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass  
2.    High-Performance™ Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass  
3.    High-Performance™ Low-E4® Sun glass  

High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass is our standard offering. High-Performance Low-E4 glass is 45% more energy-efficient in winter and 56% more efficient in summer compared to ordinary dual pane glass.* Depending on where you live, that can cut your energy bills up to 25%. High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass blocks 83% of harmful UV rays.

High-Performance™ Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass is the most energy-efficient glass option we have ever offered. High-Performance Low-E4 SmartSun™ glass is 47% more energy-efficient in winter and 70% more efficient in summer when compared to ordinary dual pane glass.† It has our highest efficiency rating in cool weather and is exceptional in hot climates where solar heat gain can lead to excessive air conditioning expense.

SmartSun™ glass blocks the sun’s heat, while letting in almost as much natural daylight as clear glass, reducing your need for artificial lighting. What’s more, SmartSun glass blocks an amazing 95% of harmful UV rays which helps reduce fading on your carpet, drapes, artwork and furniture but has virtually no effect on the clarity or color of the light that enters your home.

High-Performance™ Low-E4® Sun™ glass offers our highest rating against solar heat gain coming through your glass, helping keep your home cooler in warm weather. Our Sun glass has a tint coating applied,*** reducing the amount of visible light and sunshine streaming in from too bright to just right!

 

*  Values are based on comparison to U-Factors and SHGCs for clear glass non-metal frame default values from the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

**  A study of identical homes comparing Low-E to ordinary dual-pane glass showed a 25% savings on cooling bills, 10% on heating. Savings may vary geographically.

*** Exterior tint may vary from unit to unit.

†  Values are based on comparison of Renewal by Andersen® double-hung insert window SHGC to the SHGC for clear glass non-metal frame default values from the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code.

How Does Glass Effect Energy Efficiency in Replacement Windows?

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At first glance, all replacement window glass may look the same. But not all glass performs the same. Renewal by Andersen offers three different glass options:

• High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass 
• High-Performance™ Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass 
• High-Performance™ Low-E4® Sun glass 

While it can be hard to see the differences in our glass, you will appreciate them. Each glass option provides a varying degree of four unique benefits for heating, cooling, visible light transfer and ultraviolet (UV) protection. The right glass solution for you depends on the climate you live in, the architectural design of your home, the orientation of your windows to the sun, and the “custom climate” you desire in your home. “Glass coatings” are used to create the different glass characteristics. 

What Are the Components of a Replacement Window?

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A window must fit well in the opening to provide long-term performance and energy efficiency. Renewal by Andersen® replacement windows are custom made to precisely fit each window opening in your home, and it is important that your new replacement windows are measured and installed by professional Renewal by Andersen installers.

Your new replacement windows are comprised of the following important components:

Double glazed glass: Two panes are better than one pane. Optimizing the width of the air space between the two panes of glass is important. When there is not enough space between the two panes of glass, the benefit of the air space diminishes and reduces the energy efficiency. If the two panes of glass are too far apart, convection can occur within the space, which provides a means of increasing heat loss instead of reducing it. Renewal by Andersen optimizes the space between the two glass panes for the best thermal performance.

Spacer: Renewal by Andersen uses a low-conductivity spacer made of stainless steel that resists heat transfer better than aluminum spacers used by other manufacturers. Also, because stainless steel is so much stronger than aluminum, our stainless steel spacer can use less material and still keep the glass stable. A thinner spacer wall conducts less energy.  An inferior spacer may move, causing seals to break. Some window manufacturers even use plastic for their spacers. Plastic can deteriorate over time, causing seal failure. Plastic spacers may also emit a gas when heated by the sun, which can cause a chemical fog between the two panes of glass and affect visibility.

Argon gas blend: Manufacturers first started using double glazing back in the 1950’s. At first, manufacturers used only air between the panes, and many still do. In the 1970’s, some manufacturers used carbon dioxide and Freon. These gases improved insulation value, but proved sensitive to seal failure and could easily discolor. In the 1980’s, argon and krypton proved to be more efficient for fill. Krypton is much more expensive and only marginally better at insulating than argon. Manufacturers of better double-pane glass products fill the space with an inert argon gas blend which can improve the thermal performance of the overall product, but on a much smaller scale compared to the benefit of the Low-E coating.

Dual Seal:  Renewal by Andersen secures the two panes of glass with two sealants: a compressed butyl and a specially formulated silicone. We also remove the Low-E coating around the embedded glass edge to make sure the sealant has a clean surface to adhere to. Other manufacturers leave the coating around the edge which contributes to seal failure. Our precise sealing process helps provide a longer life for the windows, preventing moisture from leaking in between the double glazing and providing a more robust seal. As a result, the seals in the glass of Renewal by Andersen products are much more durable than that of others in the industry. In fact, our glass is in a class of its own.

The Frame: Renewal by Andersen frames are made of a patented Fibrex® material; a composite of wood fibers and polymer. Fibrex material combines the strength and stability of wood with the low-maintenance benefit of vinyl.

To learn more about how replacement windows from Renewal by Andersen can help improve the energy efficiency of your home, visit us at a showroom near you, or call us in Louisville at (502) 266-7762 in Lexington at (859)271-1645.

Replacement Window Framing Materials: What is Fibrex®?

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Andersen® products and patents have revolutionized the window and door industry for more than 100 years. We know windows and window materials.
 
In 1958, Renewal by Andersen’s parent company Andersen Corporation, tested and rejected aluminum as a framing material. It conducted heat and cold, plus it could pit and corrode. Also in the 1950’s, Andersen developed the first hollow vinyl window in the U.S. We liked the low maintenance feature of vinyl, but concluded that it didn’t have enough structural integrity. In 1966, Andersen created the “wood-clad” window and door category with the Perma-Shield® line of products.

In the 1970’s, Andersen began experimenting with reclaimed wood fibers. In 1991, after decades of development and testing, Andersen patented and introduced Fibrex® material, a composite of wood fibers and polymer. Fibrex material combines the strength and stability of wood with the low-maintenance benefit of vinyl and contributes to whole window performance.

Fibrex® material has excellent insulating properties on par with wood, vinyl or fiberglass. Aluminum, on the other hand, transfers heat out of your home and allows outdoor cold tempertures to chill the glass inside it. Fibrex material insulates about 700 times better than aluminum.

Fibrex material, like wood, fiberglass and aluminum expands and contracts very little. Vinyl, however can expand and contract a lot, which if not designed properly may cause cracks, bowing and leakage of air and water, leading to the need for replacement windows. Windows made of Fibrex material will perform better in winter and summer than windows made from vinyl.

Renewal by Andersen® windows made with Fibrex® material also meet the strictest indoor air emission standard in the U.S*. and contain certified recycled content.**

* Renewal by Andersen and its parent company, Andersen Corporation, are the only window companies to receive Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) Indoor Advantage Gold™ certification for indoor air quality.  This level of certification conforms to the criteria of a number of North America’s indoor air emission standards, including the California 01350 standard, recognized as among the strictest in the U.S..

** Renewal by Andersen windows have certified recycled content values range from 19%-23% and vary by product line.

Energy Efficient Windows: What is "Whole Window Performance" ?

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Windows have played an important role in home design for centuries. Historically, window development focused on the right balance between the benefits of natural light and ventilation and the disadvantages of cold drafts, water leakage, and the extensive maintenance of early window designs.

At Renewal by Andersen, we believe our outstanding whole window performance is the result of three things: quality framing materials, glass and professional installation.

Traditionally, energy use was minimized by the design and setting of a home related to the environment it was built in. Trees were used to buffer cold winds, or to shade the heat of the summer sun. With the advent of powerful heating and cooling systems in the 1950’s and 60’s, and relatively inexpensive energy, home design strayed from the concerns about energy efficiency.

The energy crisis of the 1970’s created a new generation of manufacturing and construction methods that focused once again on a home’s energy needs. Today, a new standard of energy efficiency is required. The Renewal by Andersen® window replacement process helps meet these new standards with product technology and installation methods that will help solve our environmental and energy challenges while standing up to the test of time.

Always compare whole window performance and not just the individual components. While individual components do contribute to energy efficiency, it’s the whole window performance that’s important.

Renewal by Andersen® windows will help you save money on their window components when discussing energy efficiency. Renewal by Andersen focuses on the big-picture: the whole window performance. We pay particular attention to the window frame and glass- critical components for energy efficiency. We also place enormous significance on complete professional installation, and warrant it in writing- because a good window can only perform well if it’s installed correctly. When you choose Renewal by Andersen window replacement, you will enjoy many years of indoor comfort and energy efficiency with little to no maintenance.

Learn more about energy efficient windows and call for a free in home consultation at 502-266-7762.

How Do You Know You Need New Windows?

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This is a really common question. Here are some of the most common window problems we see home owners looking to rectify:

• Foggy Windows: Why do they do that?
• Window Maintenance: Painting is hard and expensive.
• Energy Efficiency: Bills are high and its still cold inside.

How are you supposed to know if these problems are something you can easily fix yourself or if you’re better off calling an expert to talk about buying replacement windows? Our colleagues at Renewal By Andersen up in New Jersey have made this handy video to go over some of the most common indicators that your windows are not as efficient as they could be and should probably be replaced.

Our experts are happy to consult with you on the best solution for your home. Come visit us at one of our show rooms or call us today to start the conversation. You can also contact us on this website.Your home is always a good investment.

Fog belongs in San Francisco, Not in Your Windows

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Foggy windows are annoying. You can’t see well out of them, they make your house look bad cosmetically and you can’t get in there to wipe it off. It’s enough to make a homeowner fume.

But, why are you the only one on the block with foggy windows?

Foggy Windows Are Not from a Broken Seal

Most people believe that a broken seal in their window is what causes it to fog up. In reality, moisture and air are always going in and out of a window. If a window was ever sealed airtight it would actually explode.

Solar Pumping Leads to Foggy Windows

Solar pumping is something that happens just about every day to your windows. When the sun comes out and heats the airspace between the two panes, it causes the window to pressurize. This pressurization pushes out air in small amounts through the window’s semi-permeable seal.

When the sun goes down and the temperature decreases, the air that was heated up during the day is now cooled. The cooler air decreases the pressurization between the panes and allows small amounts of air to be pulled back in through the same semi-permeable seal.

This new air that is drawn back in contains little water molecules that get trapped in the window; which is what causes the foggy windows.

Why Don’t I have Foggy Windows Every Day?

There is a material inside the window known as a desiccant that soaks up the moisture that gets inside the windows. A desiccant is simply a drying agent and it is what prevents you from having foggy windows every day.

Over the years this desiccant becomes saturated from all of the moisture that is has absorbed. When it can no longer absorb any more moisture, the water molecules collect inside the window and create fog.

How to Repair Foggy Window

There are two options in dealing with a foggy window. First, you can hire a company to come in and defog it. They will bore little, tiny holes in your windows and install vents in these holes to return your window back to its proper solar pumping capability.

Second, if you have allowed the fogging to go on for too long, the windows could be damaged. If this is the case, the windows will need to be replaced. Even having them defogged at this point won’t restore them back to their original condition.

Call our showroom today to learn more about your replacement window options! 

Louisville: 502-266-7762 | Lexington: 859-271-6145

NFRC Window Ratings-What Do They Mean?

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The NFRC rating sticker should be on every window you purchase whether it is a replacement window or new construction.  This sticker will show you how well a window performs.  It evaluates the performance of the window's frame, the glass, and the spacers that keep the glass apart.

National Fenistration Rating Council

U-Factor - The U-factor is resistance to heat flow.  It measures the performance of the entire window.  The lower the u-factor, the better.

Solar Heat Gain Co-Efficient - The SHGC measures how much infrared light (or heat in the light) gets thru the glass.  The lower the number, the better.

Visible Light Transmission - This measures the amount of visible light that comes thru the glass.  Here, the higher the %, the more visible light will pass thru the glass.

Read the full article from Exterior Contractors July 2011 issue. 

Jay L. Bachman,Managing Partner

 

Baby Boomers - Staying At Home

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   As a "baby boomer" myself, I can totally understand the trend that is happening where senior citizens are staying in their homes longer and longer.  It is true that we are all living longer but, many of us are also working longer as well.  I think the combination of wanting or needing to work longer along with the high cost of alternative retirement facilities has encouraged many seniors to prepare their existing home to be their "retirement home".

     In preparing a home for retirement, meet seniors start with the following thoughts!

1. How can i make it maintenance free? (Or, almost maintenance free.)
2. How can I make it more energy efficient?
3. How can I make it more comfortable?
4. How can I make it safer?

     I know after having four total hip replacements, getting up on a ladder to re-glaze or paint windows is not on my to-do list.  So, replacing windows (and doors) that will eliminate re-glazing and painting is a high priority.

     This is a home improvement project where quality does count.  You should only have to replace your windows once.  That is why choosing a product that give you performance - great appearance - and lasting durability is important.  Renewal by Andersen windows provide all three.  Renewal by Andersen windows are made from Fibrex.  Fibrex is a composite material that will not rot, split, crack, warp, or peel.  It never needs to be painted.  Combine that with Andersen's High Performance Low E4, SmartSun insulating glass and you have a great window.

    Renewal by Andersen has different products for different applications.  Whether your home is 9 years old or 109 years old, they will have a solution that will maintain your home's architectural integrity.

     If you are a seniour citizen (like me), and want to protect the investment in your home -- quality windows and doors is a step in the right direction.  No more scraping and painting, no re-glazing, no more putting up and taking down storm windows - but, most importantly, no more ladders.

     Remember, for over 100 years, Andersen has been producing quality windows and doors for homes just like yours.

Jay L. Bachman, Louisville, Kentucky