Posts Tagged ‘window installation’

Final Criteria For The Energy Star Windows, Doors and Skylight Program

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

The U.S. Department of Energy has released its final revised criteria for the Energy Star Windows, Doors and Skylight program.  It went into effect January 4, 2010.  The Department of Energy has played a key role in rapidly advancing window technology in the past few years. This program will help move these technologies into the marketplace, providing significant energy savings to homes and businesses across the country.

The revised Energy Star program requirements for windows, doors, and skylights went into effect January 4, 2010.  For partners to make the necessary changes to their product and marketing materials, there will be a transition period to full program implementation, scheduled to end on March 31, 2010.  More details on the transition will be provided in the coming months.

*Northern zone windows can meet prescriptive (1st row)
or alternative energy performance (2nd & 3rd row) criteria
to qualify for Energy Star.

Minnesota homeowners looking to invest in new or replacement windows can contact your local window installation contractor. You will recover the cost of this investment in no time on energy savings alone.

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2010 Energy Star Qualification Criteria for Residential Windows, Doors & Skylights Windows

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

The U.S. Department of Energy has released its final revised criteria for the Energy Star Windows, Doors and Skylight program.  It went into effect January 4, 2010.  The Department of Energy has played a key role in rapidly advancing window technology in the past few years. This program will help move these technologies into the marketplace, providing significant energy savings to homes and businesses across the country.

2010 Energy Star Qualification Criteria for Residential Windows, Doors & Skylights
Windows
Climate Zone U-Factor SHGC
Northern* ≤0.30 Any
=0.31 ≥0.35
=0.32 ≥0.40
North-Central ≤0.32 ≤0.40
South-Central ≤0.35 ≤0.30
Southern ≤0.60 ≤0.27
Swinging & Sliding Doors
Glazing U-Factor SHGC
Opaque ≤0.21 NR
≤ ½-Lite ≤0.27 ≤0.30
> ½-Lite ≤0.32 ≤0.30
Skylights
Climate Zone U-Factor SHGC
Northern ≤0.55 NR
North-Central ≤0.55 ≤0.40
South-Central ≤0.57 ≤0.30
Southern ≤0.70 ≤0.30
NR=No rating

The revised Energy Star program requirements for windows, doors, and skylights went into effect January 4, 2010.  For partners to make the necessary changes to their product and marketing materials, there will be a transition period to full program implementation, scheduled to end on March 31, 2010, DOE notes.  More details on the transition will be provided in the coming months.

*Northern zone windows can meet prescriptive (1st row)
or alternative energy performance (2nd & 3rd row) criteria
to qualify for Energy Star.

Minnesota homeowners looking to invest in new or replacement windows can contact your local window installation contractor. You will recover the cost of this investment in no time on energy savings alone.


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Purchasing A Replacement Window

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

Recover The Cost Of Replacement Windows

When selecting replacement windows, there are basically five major factors you should consider.  First of all, look at the type of glazing material on the window.  It is plastic?  Is the glass treated?  Secondly, how many layers of glass are there?  Two layers are preferred.  What is the distance between the layers?  More distance means more insulation.  What type of window frame and spacer materials will be used?  A quality frame will protect your replacement windows and reduce thermal resistance.  Finally, the installation of your replacement windows is essential because a properly fitted, energy efficient window should be air tight.

Langerman exteriors can help you save a lot of money and spruce up your property in the process by installing new doors and windows.  You will recover the cost of this investment in no time on energy savings alone; not to mention the increase in property value that usually comes with home improvements.

Based on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, you can now take advantage of the Federal tax credit for qualified Replacement Windows.  Tax credits are available for up to 30% of the cost, up to $1500, for existing homes.  See www.energystar.gov for more details.

Contact our office today to get started at 763-493-0058.

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Purchasing A Replacement Window

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

Replacement windows…Are They Worth The Cost?

Windows are supposed to let light in and keep weather out.  But considering the fact that glass has virtually no insulating value and is a poor barrier to radiant energy, it’s important that you choose your replacement windows wisely.  Today’s energy efficient windows come in all sorts of shapes, styles, and colors.  So how do you go about selecting the right windows for your home?

The U-Factor

Manufacturers represent the energy efficiency of a window through a term called a U-factor.  This value represents the window’s ability to conduct heat.  Manufacturers also utilize another value called the R-factor.  This number measurers the window’s resistance to heat flow.  Both values are reciprocals of each other, so a replacement window with a high R-factor will lose less heat than one with a lower R-factor.  And, a replacement window with a low U-factor will lose less heat than one with a higher U-factor.

Purchasing a replacement window

When selecting replacement windows, there are basically five major factors you should consider.  First of all, look at the type of glazing material on the window.  It is plastic?  Is the glass treated?  Secondly, how many layers of glass are there?  Two layers are preferred.  What is the distance between the layers? More distance means more insulation.  What type of window frame and spacer materials will be used?  A quality frame will protect your replacement windows and reduce thermal resistance.  Finally, the installation of your replacement windows is essential because a properly fitted, energy efficient window should be air tight.

Cut energy cost with replacement windows

While replacement windows can be costly, the monetary savings of today’s energy efficient windows can more than compensate for the initial financial outlay.  According to a nation’s energy survey, replacement windows can save you an average of 75 cents on the dollar, as compared to cooling alternatives.  So the real question is not whether replacement windows can save you money, but rather how much!

You will recover the cost of this investment in no time on energy savings alone; not to mention the increase in property value that usually comes with home improvements.win

Contact Langerman Exteriors  today at 763-493-0058 to get started.  And remember, if insurance is covering any of the cost of your window and door project, we’ll handle everything for you.

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Features Of An Energy Efficient Window

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

New Windows and Doors Save You Energy and Money

There are several features to look for in a new wind0w that will make it more energy efficient.  The distance between the two panes of glass should be about 5/8″.  If it is either smaller or larger than that, more heat will transfer through the window.

A nonmetallic spacer between the two panes of glass is more resistant to heat transfer than aluminum or stainless steel.  This nonmetallic spacer is typically the “Super Spacer” brand.  Some window manufacturers refer to it as “warm edge technology.”  It is a high-density polymerized foam that looks and feels like soft rubber.

Weather stripping
Weather stripping is important too – the more the better.  A few windows have 3 separate weatherstrips.  Look to see if the weatherstrip is fused in the corner.  If not, the window could become drafty if the weatherstrip shrinks a little overtime.

Insulation method and material – closed cell foam superior to traditional fiberglass
The method of insulation is important too.  For most of the last 50 years woven fiberglass has been used between the window frame and the wall framing.  Most of the time the space was too narrow to allow proper placement of the insulation.  It typically was stuffed into the space, getting compressed in the process and subsequently losing most of its insulating qualities.  Fiberglass insulation allows air to pass through it too, which often results in cold drafts around the window.    A far superior method is to use spray-in closed cell foam around the window frame.  It is an excellent insulation material, and will completely seal against air leaks and humid air intrusion into the wall cavity.

U-Value, Solar Heat Gain And $1500 Tax Credit
The overall u-value and solar heat gain coefficient both have to be .3 or less for the window or door to qualify for the tax credit.

Langerman Exteriors has been a window, siding, roofing contractor in the greater Twin Cities area of Minnesota for over 40 years.   With our 40 years of hands on personal experience, we are knowledgeable in the details of all areas of remodeling.

Contact us at 763-493-0058 for a free home inspection today!  Let us show what we can do for you!

Check www.efficientwindows.org for more information on what qualifies for the tax credits

See Window Selection for a complete guide to energy savings for  window products in your city or region.  This will give you an idea of how you can save cost when you replace your windows with energy efficient windows.  It will be worth your money.

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