Windows | Wind Energy Voice

The US government is pushing every home and business owner to be more energy efficient. Upgrading out of date homes and upgrading ineffective features with high-quality products has several positive aspects, and not merely for the authorities. Replacing your traditional windows with completely new ones keeps the temperature in the home more constant, and help save tons of cash on utility bills.

Before getting a Milwaukee window specialist or installer, make a few minutes to take a seat and consider the following issues.

1. Exactly what windows should i consider for my home: Picture, awning, rotating or hopper windows? Single or double pane windows are more energy efficient?

2. How many years will these new windows last before they will need to be replaced?

3. What kind of warranty is offered on replacement windows?

4. How energy efficient are these windows?

5. Do the Milwaukee windows you’ve got an interest in have many layers of soft coating?

6. Are these windows Energy Star approved? Would they be entitled to tax credits?

7. What number windows ought to be replaced inside the home?

8. Can the space between the panes filled up with an insulating gas component?

9. Exactly what locking mechanisms do these windows have? Are they secure enough to help keep all your family safe?

10. Is the window supplier dependable?

11. Are the window installers experienced and prepared to provide you with references?

12. Will the process be finished when it’s due?

If you would like the task carried out a selected deadline, and your Milwaukee windows contractor understands of this, the work should really be finished as discussed.

Upon having answered all of your inquiries to your satisfaction, you will be all set to start your window replacement project. All the best!

Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC provides detailed information about shingles, cedar shingles, fiberglass shingles and more. Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC is affiliated with the National Roofing Contractors Association

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Energy Efficient Windows

Friday, November 5th, 2010 at 8:08 am

If the windows in your home have seen better days, replacing them can bring you many advantages. In fact, buying replacement windows for your home is one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can make. Unlike many home improvement projects, replacing your old windows with newer, more energy efficient ones, can actually save you money. Best of all, those savings can accumulate over time, and the energy savings alone can more than pay for the costs of the windows.

Just consider the top 10 benefits of replacing your old windows with newer and more energy efficient models.

Lower energy costs – replacing your old leaky windows with newer and more energy efficient ones can result in significant energy savings, both now and in the future. No one expects the cost of energy to go down, so the cost savings you are able to achieve with new replacement windows will only become more valuable as time goes by.

Fewer maintenance hassles – constantly painting, repairing and maintaining old windows can be a real hassle, and in some cases it can be downright dangerous. If you are tired of climbing a ladder to paint and clean your windows, consider how replacement windows can reduce your maintenance hassles.

Greater resale value – unlike many other home improvements, installing new windows can actually increase the value of your home. The age of the windows is a major concern with home buyers, so replacing your old windows can help your home sell faster as well. Beautify your home – your home is your prized possession, and it is important to keep your biggest investment looking its best. replacement windows can add charm, beauty and sophistication to your home.

Easier cleaning – cleaning traditional windows often means climbing a ladder and scrubbing for what seems like an eternity. New windows, on the other hand, tilt in for easy cleaning, allowing you to keep your windows clean without ever leaving your home.

Tax advantages – the Federal government provides significant tax savings for homeowners who replace their old inefficient windows with more energy efficient models. Your state government might provide similar savings, meaning that you can recoup a significant portion of the up front cost when you file your tax return.

More light – being cooped up in a dank and dark home is no fun, but replacement windows can bring more light into your life. New window designs allow more light into your home without leaking hot or cool air or wasting energy.

Unique designs – if you own an older home, chances are all the windows look pretty much alike. You can fight back against this cookie cutter design with unique replacement windows, including bows, bays and picture windows that will make your home look like a showplace.

Better security – replacement windows often have much better security features than traditional windows, providing a deterrent to criminals and helping to keep our family safe at home.

Greater privacy – installing frosted or tinted replacement windows means you can see out but others cannot easily look in. This can provide greater privacy, safety and security for your home and your family.

If you have been looking for a low cost way to beautify your home, protect your family and achieve real cost savings, installing replacement windows may be just what you have been looking for. Replacing your old and inefficient windows with new energy efficient ones can save you a great deal of money, while at the same time making your home more livable, more secure and of course much more inviting.

http://www.eliteroofingwi.com

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Energy-Efficient Windows Offer View to Savings

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 at 8:22 am

Unless you’re looking out energy-efficient windows, you might as well be watching your dollars escape from your home.

That’s because your windows are central to keeping energy savings in your pocket while giving your home the cozy climate you want inside and the pleasant appearance you want outside. Adding insulation in the attic or sides of your home is extremely helpful to energy savings, but you still won’t see the savings and comfort level you could be getting if you’re stuck with inefficient windows.

Older homes with drafty windows are robbing their homeowners with high monthly energy bills. In the cold months, the heat is leaving through the sweating frames or the single-glass panes themselves while the cold air is entering. And in the warm months, the same thing is happening with the cool air leaving and the warm air entering while air conditioning is in use. Whether it’s the cold or heat, the weather is zapping you and your bills with drafty windows.

By installing Energy Star-rated windows, companies such as Energy Exteriors, a vinyl window and siding business based in Tacoma, Wash., has found success against the elements. Energy Star is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.

The U.S. Department of Energy maintains that windows can account for 10 percent to 25 percent of your heating bill. Energy Star-rated windows not only save on a home’s energy bill, they are twice as efficient as the average window built just 10 years ago and are thicker and block out more sound, say energy consultants.

“What a transformation from what we had with those old aluminum single pane windows… It was very evident right away. You could hold your hand up to the window and not detect any cool air. In addition, the sound deadening was remarkable,” Derrill Fields of Auburn Wash., said in a testimonial letter to Energy Exteriors.

During the summer, your air conditioner must work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows. With Energy Star windows and the use of curtains and shades to give your air conditioner and energy bill a break, the cooling load can be cut by 10 percent to 15 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

On Feb. 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009. This bill extended and modified the tax credit for windows, doors and skylights established in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The tax credit is good throughout 2010. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all energy-related improvements combined, including windows, is 30 percent of cost up to $1,500. Also, with lower monthly energy bills, energy efficient windows pay for themselves in the long run.

Energy efficiency remains a top priority of the U.S. government, and one that has been getting increasing attention. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends if your home has single-pane windows, as many U.S. homes do, consider replacing them with new double-pane windows with high-performance glass (e.g., low-e or spectrally selective).

In colder climates, select windows that are gas filled with low emissivity (low-e) coatings on the glass to reduce heat loss. If you are building a new home or planning to remodel, you can offset some of the cost of installing more efficient windows because they allow you to buy smaller, less expensive heating and cooling equipment.

Here are some consumer shopping tips for windows recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy:

? Look for the ENERGY STAR label.

? Check with local utilities to see what rebates or other financial incentives are available for window replacement.

? High-performance windows have at least two panes of glass and a low-e (low emissivity) coating.

? Remember, the lower the thermal transmission or U-factor, the better the insulation. In colder climates, focus on finding a low U-factor.

? Low solar heat gain coefficients or SHGCs reduce heat gain. In warm climates, look for a low SHGC.

? In temperate climates with both heating and cooling seasons, select windows with both low U-factors and low SHGCs to maximize energy savings.

? Look for whole-unit U-factors and SHGCs, rather than center-of-glass, or COG, U-factors and SHGCs. Whole-unit numbers more accurately reflect the energy performance of the entire product.

? Have your windows installed by trained professionals. Be sure they’re installed according to manufacturer’s instructions; otherwise, your warranty may be void.

Energy Exteriors has been servicing the State of Washington and Oregon for well over 10 years. For more information, visit www.energyexteriors.net

This article has been provided courtesy of Energy Exteriors ? www.energyexteriors.net, a full service company that specializes in energy efficient custom replacement vinyl windows and vinyl siding for the residential home owner.

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Energy Efficiency – How Doors and Windows Can Save Money

Saturday, July 10th, 2010 at 6:11 am

Though you may not notice, you’re may be throwing dollars right out your doors and windows. Even if you’re not walking over to the window and tossing the green out, warmed and cooled air could be seeping through cracks in your windows and doors – the equivalent of losing a serious chunk of change. So what do you do about it? There are some steps you can take to be sure you’re doing your best to be energy efficient.

Start by looking for the cracks. It’s probably easier than you think. Wait for a dark night, turn on your inside light and stand outside your door. Do you see light? If light can escape, chances are your warm or cool air can also escape. Make a careful note of where those cracks appear and head to the hardware store. You’ll find there are a number of weather stripping kits to help you seal up those cracks and crevices.

The bottom of the door is a notorious spot for air exchange. If you have an older door, the weather stripping at the bottom may be worn out or simply non-existent. It’s fairly easy to install a new weather strip and this may represent a significant savings in your energy bill.

The light trick is a good way to check doors, but how are you going to test for air leaks at the windows? One way is to wait for a windy day and carefully feel all around your window. If you have light curtains, you may even be able to see the breeze ruffle the curtains. A candle flame can also be a good indicator. Hold a candle at various spots around the perimeter of the window, being sure to stay clear of curtains and other material. If there’s a breeze coming in through the window frame, the flame of the candle will flicker.

Again, weather stripping is a good first step toward lessening the impact of air exchange. Don’t overlook the potential for caulking. You can get caulk in several forms and almost anyone can use a caulking gun. If you have some obvious cracks and crevices around doors and windows, fill them up.

If you’re serious about tracing down the air leaks in your home, you can always hire a professional to test. They have ways to determine where the majority of your air is going and can advise you on how to stop it.

At the end of all the checking, there’s simply no substitute for quality, energy-efficient doors and windows. With the current demand for these products, you’ll find an incredible array of styles and features, most at very affordable prices. If you consider the cost of cooling and heating that air that is flowing right through the drafty door facing, you may find that you can’t afford to go through another season without taking steps to rectify the situation.

For more information about doors, shutters and how you can beautify your home while saving money on energy costs, visit Doors and Shutters

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Understanding Energy-efficiency in Replacement Windows

Saturday, June 5th, 2010 at 8:22 am

Window replacement for improved energy efficiency is one of the most popular remodeling projects undertaken by homeowners today. Replacing your windows could result in energy savings of 30% or more in any region of the U.S. Your choices for replacement windows will consider the style of the window as well as the efficiency and safety of the window. To help you understand the energy-efficiency qualities of various replacement windows, here are some facts to help you make decisions.

Some window materials conduct heat and cold. The result is some energy loss through the window materials. The material that loses the most heat or cold is Aluminum. Steel conducts about one-third the amount of heat and cold. Stainless steel conducts about one-third the amount of heat and cold lost with steel. The
most efficient material for windows is wood, conducting 1/1000 the amount lost through aluminum. And just a fraction behind wood is vinyl. The bottom line is that the most energy-efficient window materials are wood and vinyl. Vinyl, of course, requires less maintenance.

The next consideration is about the glass in the windows. Heat and cooling loss through glass can be reduced by adding a second pane of glass and leaving space between the panes to trap the outside air which is at a different temperature from the inside air. These double-paned or double-glazed windows are more efficient than single panes. Double-paned windows can also have a fill of gas between the panes to further reduce heat exchange. Filling the space between panes of a double-paned window with Argon gas will make it twice as effective. Filling the space between the panes with Krypton gas increases the R-value of the window from 4.0 to 4.55. Triple-paned or triple-glazed windows filled with Argon gas have an R-value of 6.25, and choosing a triple-paned window filled
with Krypton gas provides an R-value of 10.0.

Windows can also be coated with screening finishes of various kinds to block UV (Ultraviolet) rays and IR (infrared) rays. These screening finishes protect
window treatments and furniture and carpeting from fading and reflect back some of the heating effect of the sun.

Replacement windows of any style, size and shape can be chosen in several colors of vinyl
and can be painted any color if your choice of window material is wood. Windows can be purchased with various styles of dividers within the window and even with blinds attached in enclosed compartments or with blinds placed within the window itself.

No matter what style or type of window you need for an energy-efficient window replacement project, you will do well to look for the “Energy Star” seal first. These windows will meet minimum standards established by the Federal Government.

Aaron O’Hanlon has been helping window contractors increase profits through exclusive website marketing and search engine optimization at Footbridge Media. See his companies latest creation:California Replacement Windows or contact him directly at Contractor Marketing

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Efficient Tips for Buying Energy Efficient Windows

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 at 6:30 am

The huge amount of money you pay for energy each year, in the scorching summer months and the freezing winter, can be reduced by using the energy efficient windows.

Your location and the design of your home plays an important role in selecting the type of energy efficient windows you want. A person living in the southern region will need different windows than someone living in the northern region as the climatic & environmental conditions are entirely different.

Design of home: The energy efficient windows, one of the important building hardwares, should be bought keeping the design of your home in mind. The direction of the windows and their size are important.

In heat-dominated regions, windows facing south should be glazed heavily. To make efficient use of solar heat during cold months, the windows should possess a solar heat gain coefficient of more than .6 but a U-factor of less than .35 so that heat transfer is reduced during the summer.

Person living in cooling-dominated regions should focus more on the north-facing windows. It should have low solar heat gain coefficient. The windows facing south should be shaded by trees and porches to minimize the intrusion of heat and sunlight. Reflective and tinted windows don’t suit these climates because they reduce the SHGC and allow more heat during the spring and summer.

Windows Frame: The selection of window hardware like an appropriate frame is important.

Earlier aluminum frames were quite popular but they are losing their value because aluminum conducts easily than other frame materials. It lead to heat detriment in cooling dominated regions. A fiberglass or composite frame would be better option, as they can be insulated better and won’t conduct as much heat from the interior to the exterior of the home.

The regions where temperature fluctuation is higher, wooden frames should be avoided because the material will expand and contract. Wood laminate frames is a better option and give the same aesthetic appeal.

Types of Glass: You should consider for the varieties of glasses before buying energy efficient windows. It is the main portion of your window and determines the amount of energy you conserve.

If your living in heating-dominated regions, glass-filled windows are the best choice because they provide more insulation and reduce the U-factor considerably. Tinted glass is also quite good and popular, but if you have a green thumb then you should not use a tint of greater than 70 percent because that can cause inside plants to die from lack of conducted sunlight.

Glaze glass is also a good option to consider while buying energy efficient windows. They have multiple panes of glass. Such types of glasses are best suited to cooler climate regions where heat transfer is highest and therefore heat needs to be retained. The cost of double-pane and triple-pane windows are higher than the single-pain but they last indefinitely and can significantly reduce cooling costs in the summer.

I am a product analyst for b2b industry. My core profile is to understand industry, develop information architecture and plan the product. Developed many B2b verticals. My core interest is research and analyse industry trends, latest updates in market, industry product information. Based on my experience i have studied harwdare product industry and my interest is to share that information and develop network for harwdare industry so that business manufaturers, suppliers, traders can benefit from this resource.

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Why Choose Energy Efficient Windows?

Sunday, May 30th, 2010 at 4:45 am

Replacing a window is among the most common home improvement projects that homeowners take up to spruce up their curb appeal and keep things more comfortable inside. The selection of your replacement window to purchase can stretch the benefits of this type of project. Energy efficient windows are excellent options that afford homeowners a cutback on their monthly energy bills for a good number of years to come. Whether in Long Island, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn or anywhere in New York; undertaking window replacement with energy efficient windows would truly prove to be beneficial.

To be able to understand the true value of energy efficient windows, you have to learn about every single benefit they provide. But to achieve all these, proper installation is crucial so if you think you are not up to the job; let qualified window replacement contractors do the job right for you. And in the selection process, shopping for a product to meet your home’s energy performance requirement is as important as finding a product with a design to match and complement the overall theme of the house in both the exterior and interior.

Savings

In the long run, it will not only be your bank account that will thank you for the favor but the environment as well. Other than the considerable cutback on heating, cooling and lighting bills; they also work on reducing the HVAC costs. Peak cooling and heating loads of your heating or cooling systems and the work load of your electrical utilities are decreased. High-performance windows are also popular as green remodeling products that does not cause harm to the environment and avoids further wastage of resources and energy.

Enhanced Indoor Living

As heat is preserved or kept out depending on the season, comfort inside homes is increased. Energy efficient windows are specifically designed to keep the heat in (or out) through inherent characteristics such as certified air-leakage rates, heat absorption and re-radiation to outdoors, and thermal resistance. Condensation (and frost) is also greatly minimized under any condition through warmer interior glass surfaces made possible by advanced glazing technologies. All these features ensures that the entire household stays as snug as a bug in a rug during winters and cool all throughout summers.

Maximized Use of Natural Light and Better View

One problem that is commonly associated with taking advantage of daylight is the heat that comes with it. Traditionally, tinted glazing and window treatments such as shades are installed and thus preventing the people inside from enjoying the outdoor views. Energy efficient windows with low solar-gain coatings can be the solution you need to maximize the use of sunlight without the heat, making up for unobstructed and better views.

Protection of Organic Household Materials

The ultraviolet or UV rays that the sun emits which can cause a great deal of harm to the skin can also damage modern interior furnishings and other organic materials inside the house like carpet, artwork, paints, fabrics, and wood by causing them to fade. The Low-E coating of energy efficient windows keeps this harmful ray from penetrating into the glass and cause damage.

Eugene Makeev uses his skills and expertise to help home owners in Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island avoid the common pitfalls by matching their window replacement NYC needs with prescreened window replacement contractors New York.

Visit us for more on windows Brooklyn.

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Income Tax Credit for Energy Efficient Replacement Windows Increased, Qualifying Criteria Tightened

Thursday, May 6th, 2010 at 1:41 pm

The federal income tax credit for energy-efficient replacement glass windows and doors is now 30 percent of product cost up to $1,500 per household, an increase from $500 two years ago. The new energy-efficiency tax credit on replacement windows is available in both 2009 and 2010 according to the economic stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama Feb. 17.

Unlike tax credits for energy-efficient windows and doors in prior years, the “30/30” criteria is stricter than the government’s Energy Star rating program. Not all Energy Star labeled windows and doors will qualify for the new tax credit.

To take advantage of the tax credit, you must make sure the energy-efficient replacement glass windows and doors meet or exceed the “30/30” criteria to qualify. Here’s what to do:

1. Look for the manufacturer’s labels on the glass window product packaging. Save them for documentation.

The manufacturer’s labels should show that the qualifying replacement glass windows meet or exceed U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings, also called the “30/30” criteria. In other words, the U-factor rating must be .30 or less and the SHGC must be .30 or less.

The U-factor rating measures the passage of heat through the glass. Windows with lower U-factor ratings are more energy efficient. The SHGC rating measures the percentage of heat in the room gained from absorbed heat and direct sunlight. Windows with lower SHGC ratings reduce the solar heat gain in the house. It adds up to lower energy costs for your home, which saves you money on your electricity and/or natural gas bills.

2. Select the right replacement windows for your home that will qualify for the tax credit.

The most energy-efficient replacement windows on the market are triple-pane replacement windows with argon gas insulation (commonly called Insulated Glass Units or IGUs). These windows are eligible for the tax credits and will reduce your energy costs the most.

Single-pane replacement windows are not eligible for the energy-efficient tax credit because glass by itself is not an insulator. The U-factor and SHGC ratings will be too high.

Most double-pane replacement windows with low-E coating or gas insulation probably will qualify. You should insist on checking for the Energy Star label as well as the U-factor and SHGC ratings on the replacement window manufacturer’s labels before allowing the windows to be installed. Remember, not all Energy Star double-pane windows qualify for the tax credit, but if the product does not have an Energy Star label at all it definitely will not qualify. If you have a question about whether or not the double-pane windows qualify, a Glass Doctor installer will be glad to help you contact the window manufacturer directly.

Glass Doctor is working with its replacement window suppliers to offer high-quality, energy-efficient window products with the Energy Star seal that qualify for the tax credit. MI Windows and Doors has developed a special line of double-pane windows for Glass Doctor. With next generation warm-edge spacer technology, the ETC30 glass package includes high performance low-E coatings and argon insulation enhancement.

3. Save the manufacturer’s labels and documentation for the special form to be submitted with your tax return.

To receive the tax credit, you will have to submit an IRS Form 5695 with a receipt for the replacement window purchase and the window manufacturer labels and stickers. A tax credit reduces the amount a taxpayer owes the government in taxes; it does not reduce the amount of income on which the taxpayer owes taxes.

The federal energy efficiency tax credit is allowed on the cost of the actual replacement window product that qualifies. The tax credit is not allowed on installation services, onsite preparation, assembly, or state sales taxes. Windows for new homes do not qualify for the tax credit, no matter what type of window is installed.

If you have any questions about energy-efficient replacement windows and glass doors, contact your local Glass Doctor. If you have questions about the tax credit, be sure to contact your tax planner or accountant. We can fix your panes, but we can’t fix your tax returns if you’re audited.

Taxpayers should consult their tax planners or accountants and review all IRS guidelines. Glass Doctor is not a tax advisor. The above is a partial summary of the revisions to the federal tax code (U.S. Code Title 26, Section 25C) as updated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Taxpayers should check with the IRS regarding updates to the IRS interim guidance in Notice 2006-26 for further details on the tax credit. Other energy efficient improvements may apply; check the following link and the IRS website for more details at at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=97322,00.html. Glass Doctor bears no responsibility in the validation of obtaining the tax credit. Please consult with a professional tax advisor or the IRS. Glass Doctor expressly disclaims any responsibility for determining whether a particular product qualifies for the tax credit.

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Why Energy Efficient Windows are a Clear Choice

Thursday, April 29th, 2010 at 9:21 am

Real quick…Here are seven reasons to install energy efficient windows:

- Save energy

- Save money from using less heating or AC

- Add to appearance of the house

- Protect a home’s interior furnishings from fading

- Higher impact resistance

- Make outside noise less audible

- Insulate your home better, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer

With reasons like those, it’s no wonder energy efficient windows are all the rage. If your windows need to be repaired or even replaced, consider installing energy efficient windows.

How exactly do I pick out energy efficient windows?

When picking out energy efficient windows, you want to look for windows that are Energy Star certified.

Energy Star was developed by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. The government program’s purpose is to help individuals and organizations protect the environment through energy efficiency. The standard does not just apply to windows but to other products as well.

For the purpose of this article, we will be taking a look at windows that are Energy Star certified. What makes windows Energy Star certified? Any Energy Star product including windows must meet the following criteria:

- Have an NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label. The NFRC tests the insulating quality of the entire window.

- Be 40% more efficient than the product usually requires under most building codes.

- Reduce energy bills by up to 15%.

Customers cannot just rely on the Energy Star label to pick out a good energy efficient window though. An important consideration for consumers is to select windows that are appropriate for the area of the country in which they live. Energy Star labels windows three ways:

- “N” for northern climates

- “S” for southern climates

- “C” for central climates

The three types of windows are designed to address the heating or cooling concerns in each climate: mostly heating for the Northern Zone, mostly cooling for the Southern Zone, and both heating and cooling for the Central North Zone and Central South Zone.

How Energy Efficient Windows Improve the House

Aside from saving energy, energy efficient windows are particularly fantastic in states that can get extremely cold. These windows work to make homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which becomes particularly evident in states with very cold winters and states with extremely hot summers. With these windows insulating well, homeowners spend less on heating and air conditioning bills. Energy efficient windows also improve the house due to their attractive appearance, though not all energy efficient windows are the same. Homeowners have choices concerning main parts of the window, such as the frame, panes, and spacers.

Parts of the Window

- The frame

Look for windows that have fiberglass, wood composites, or vinyl because these materials are better at insulating. One negative aspect of using wood material for framing is that wood can be difficult to maintain, often needing painting after a few years. Thus, if you choose to frame your windows using wood material, it’s advised to get some exterior vinyl or aluminum cladding to cover the wood frame.

- Window Panes

If wondering whether having multiple window panes is preferred to having one window pane, remember the phrase ‘Two is Better than One’ or ‘The More the Merrier.’ Two panes of glass with space in between filled with air or krypton or argon insulates better than just one pane of glass does. Certain Energy Star windows have windows with three or more panes of glass, which do the best job of insulating and have greatest the impact resistance as well as improved energy efficiency. Another benefit of multiple panes is that they keep outside noise out better than a single glass pane does.

- Low-E glass coating

Low-E coating is a special coating on the window that is great to have. It reflects infrared light to keep heat outside in the summer and inside in the winter. It also reflects ultraviolet light to protect a home’s interior furnishings from fading.

- Warm Edge Spacers

Warm edge spacers are great for reducing heat flow and preventing condensation. Made of foam, steel, fiberglass, or vinyl, they keep a window’s glass panes the right distance apart.

There are many brands of energy efficient windows from which to choose. Manufacturers include those such as Accent Windows, Andersen, Cascade Windows, CertainTeed, Gorell, Marvin, Winstrom, and many more. Home improvement companies select which manufacturer brand they would like to make available to their customers. For example, Highland Windows, a Connecticut home improvement company based in Hartford is licensed to install Alside, another energy efficient window manufacturer, which has won The Energy Star Window of the Year Award three times.

All Around the Home is an online directory that profiles contractors, allowing visitors to search by service needed such as window installation and by region such as Connecticut. Homeowners may request a free estimate from contractors they are interested in.

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