At presstime, the price of oil continues to move in an upward trajectory as more evidence trickles in that the economic outlook is improving—albeit slightly. And everyone knows what that means: With each price jump, it gets more expensive for homeowners to heat and cool their houses. Fuel costs have been increasing steadily since the global economic collapse drove crude oil prices down to $36.51 per barrel on Jan. 16, 2009.
This is partly why the country is in conservation mode, and if President Obama has his way, it will become even more important in the coming years.
The president already showed his commitment to energy efficiency when he signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, legislation that includes a provision for homeowners to receive a tax credit of up to $1,500 for energy-efficient replacement windows and doors, among other improvements. In addition, newer, more stringent Energy Star guidelines for windows and doors will take effect in January 2010.
This special section on Windows and Doors (and related items such as hardware) features products that are designed with energy efficiency in mind. It includes high-performance windows and doors that are at least Energy Star rated or eligible for the stimulus bill tax credit. It also includes windows and doors that exceed the bill’s requirement that eligible products have a U-factor rating of .30 and a solar heat gain coefficient rating of .30.
There are products here to fit any architectural style and almost any budget. Take a look for yourself, then go forth and help your buyers save energy—and money.
Open Wide: This folding glass wall system creates large openings from 6 feet to 320 feet, and a variety of the systems and glazings offered will meet Energy Star requirements. Available with an aluminum-frame with a powder-coated finish or a wood-frame with water-based finishes, the versatile system can be ordered in various configurations, including this window/door combination. NanaWall Systems. 800-873-5673. www.nanawall.com.
Long Story: Using a new process the manufacturer calls “long-fiber injection” and made with polyurethane rather than polyester, this fiberglass door can withstand extreme abuse, including being hit with lumber traveling in excess of 35 miles per hour. The durable and energy-efficient door is available in three lines and 16 designs including smooth surface and woodgrain options. Jeld-Wen. 800-877-9482. www.jeld-wen.com.
Open Case: The Ultimate casement window features energy-efficient low-E II insulating glass with argon, which keeps heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer. Available in sizes up to 40 inches wide by 92 inches tall, the window comes with wood interiors and extruded aluminum cladding in 19 colors. A simulated check rail and a wide, bottom rail can be used to create the look of a double-hung. Marvin Windows & Doors. 888-537-8266. www.marvincasement.com.
Foam Call: A new addition to the Gallery Collection, this garage door now comes with 1 3/8- or 2-inch-thick polyurethane insulation options, which nearly double the thermal protection of current models in the collection. It features CFC-free, polyurethane foam injected between two layers of heavy-gauge steel with a thermal break that creates an R-value of 12.9 or 17.2. Standard features include 18-gauge steel hinges and nylon rollers. ? Clopay. 800-225-6729. www.clopaydoor.com.
Air Vent: The manufacturer’s 160 Daylighting System now comes with an optional ventilation add-on kit for use in moist areas such as baths and laundry rooms. The fan attaches to the Daylighting System so homeowners can bring in fresh air as well as daylight. Solatube. 888-765-2882. www.solatube.com.
Tunnel Vision: Energy Star–rated Sun Tunnel tubular skylights with insulated low-E tempered and insulated low-E laminated glazings offer three times more protection against solar heat gain. In addition, the glazings resist condensation twice as long as clear glass and protect interiors by reflecting most of the sun’s fade-causing rays. Velux. 800-888-3589. www.veluxusa.com.
Double Strength: The Primo Collection of vinyl windows come standard with double-strength low-E glass, but the line may also be upgraded with an Energy Saver Plus package that includes insulating glass with Super Spacer thermoset structural foam and argon gas between the panes. This combination improves energy performance on average by 10 percent over the standard offering. Jeld-Wen. 800-877-9482. www.jeld-wen.com.
Sun Power: The Solar Powered Dimmer allows homeowners to control the amount of natural light entering the maker’s new or existing 10-inch Energy Star tubular skylight. The dimmer requires no hard wiring, resulting in quicker and less-expensive installation. A three-button remote control operates the shade from inside the home. ODL. 800-odl-4you. www.odl.com.
Vinyl Analysis: The manufacturer has upgraded its eight standard vinyl window product lines to be Energy Star compliant. As a result, features such as low-E glass and argon gas are standard. For even better thermal performance, the company offers additional options such as triple glazing, foam-filled frames, and krypton/argon blends. Crystal Window & Door. 800-472-9988. www.crystalwindows.com.
Heat Miser: With a U-factor rating of .30 and a solar heat gain coefficient as low as .27, these windows meet new stricter Energy Star qualifications that will take effect in 2010. Additional features such as dual- or triple-pane options and low-E or argon-fill will lower the U-factor to .20 and the solar heat gain coefficient to .23. Ply Gem Windows. 609-546-0704. www.plygemwindows.com.
Credit Check: Windows with the manufacturer’s energy tax credit glass packages have a U-factor rating of .30 or less and a solar heat gain coefficient of .30 or less. The packages allow builders and homeowners to easily identify the products that are eligible for a tax credit under the new stimulus bill. The five glass package options are available on select products and styles. Simonton Windows. 800-746-6686. www.simonton.com.
Block This: Solar Block Plus acrylic block windows have a smoke-colored tint that protects homes from UV rays and makes the windows more energy efficient. The Energy Star–rated products measure 2 inches thick and have a solar heat gain coefficient of less than .34 when used in vinyl windows and .40 when used in aluminum. They are available as fixed or operable casement or awning windows in a variety of sizes. Hy-Lite by U.S. Block Windows. 888-256-2599. www.hy-lite.com.
Interior Design: The Designer Series wood window is the manufacturer’s most energy-efficient product. Available in a variety of configurations and styles, the windows come with double- or triple-glazed glass options with blinds and shades between the panes. The blinds provide additional energy efficiency, offering a 43 percent reduction in solar heat gain when compared to room-side blinds. Pella. 800-374-4758. www.pella.com.
Euro Flash: Inspired by European windows, the push-out casement and awning wood windows come standard with energy-efficient LoE2-270 double-pane insulating glass, enabling them to meet Energy Star guidelines in all climate zones. This glazing blocks 83 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Windows come standard in pine, but other wood options are available. Kolbe. 800-955-8177. www.kolbe-kolbe.com.
High Fiber: High-performance Ultrex windows are now available in custom sizes in 1/64-inch increments. Available in single- and double-hungs, gliders, and direct glaze polygons, the line is made with a pultruded fiberglass that is eight times stronger than vinyl and highly resistant to dings, scratches, and warping. The line comes in six exterior colors. Integrity Windows and Doors. 888-419-0076. www.integritywindows.com.
Logo Wear: The manufacturer’s new Eco-Excel line can provide homeowners with up to 70 percent higher energy efficiency in summer and 45 percent higher energy efficiency in winter. The 400 Series window (shown) comes in standard sizes and features a Perma-Shield cladding in 21 colors and seven interior wood species. Andersen Corp. 800-426-4261. www.andersenwindows.com.
Mad Max: The 3D MAX energy-efficiency package is featured on the manufacturer’s high-performing fiberglass and vinyl windows, such as the Tuscany Series shown here. The glazing package often carries as much as a 26 percent energy-efficient upgrade, and customers can save up to 10 percent up front by purchasing the package rather than ordering the same components separately. Milgard Windows & Doors. 800-645-4273. www.milgard.com.
Low Down: This casement window is made from heavy-duty mat and roving fiberglass that resists scratching and will not warp, rot, or become brittle in any conditions. Outfitted with the manufacturer’s Zo-e-shield 5 glazing packages, it will achieve a U-factor of .28 and solar heat gain coefficient of .18. The window meets energy tax credits requirements as well as 2010 Energy Star guidelines. Weather Shield Windows & Doors. 800-477-6808. www.weathershield.com.
French Connection: This fiberglass-clad French patio door uses tempered insulated glass with options such as Zo-e-shield 5 or argon gas in the airspace to achieve a U-factor of .30 and a solar heat gain coefficient of .30. The panels are 1 3/4 thick and are filled with polyurethane foam insulation for six times the energy efficiency of solid wood doors. Peachtree Doors and Windows. 800-732-2499. www.peachtreedoor.com.
Well Fare: The modular stakWEL Window Well System can accommodate virtually any foundation depth and features high-density polyethylene inserts that add strength and rigidity. Corrosion-resistant and maintenance-free, it features a built-in grip/step that facilitates a safe exit and eliminates the need for a fixed ladder. Bilco. 800-854-9724. www.bilco.com.
Tall Boy: Designed for dramatic effect, the 8-foot-tall, Cashal two-panel door has a curved top panel, distinctive grooves, and a smooth finish. Combining elements of historical door design, it’s made from molded, high-density fiberboard that resists shrinking, cracking, and joint separation. CMI. 800-405-2233. www.cmicompany.com.
Amazing Glazing: When outfitted with Solarban XL70 low-E glazing with argon, the Series 1100 windows and Series 800 sliding patio doors are eligible for the $1,500 tax credit in the stimulus bill. The vinyl windows and doors are built with a “self-squaring” feature that ensures a proper fit during installation. Windows are available in a variety of configurations such as double hung, slider, and casement. Superseal Window and Door Co. 800-521-6704. www.supersealwindows.com.
Steel This Door: The Executive Collection of steel entry and patio doors are marked by intricate panels and molding detail. Entry systems feature heavy-gauge steel, a durable paint finish, and sidelites. Available in various configurations and sizes, patio doors can be outfitted with glass inserts, custom hardware, and sliding screens. The doors are Energy Star rated. Tru Tech Doors. 877-276-5110. www.trutech.ca.
See The Light: Filled with Nanogel aerogel insulation and using polycarbonate plastic glazing, this skylight is six times more energy efficient than comparable products. It produces glare-free diffused light and is moisture resistant, UV-stable, and helps reduce sound transmission. The unit also stops connective, conductive, and thermal transfer. Wasco Products. 800-388-0293. www.wascoskylights.com.
Total Reclamation: The eco-savvy Inlay Collection handle blends reclaimed wood with recycled-content tumbled bronze. It measures 2 1/2 inches by 10 inches and is offered with a choice of four inlaid lever designs and three handles. The line is offered in white bronze with 95 percent pre-consumer recycled content and silicon bronze with 90 percent pre-consumer recycled content. Sun Valley Bronze. 208-788-3631. www.sunvalleybronze.com.
Bronze Age: Part of the Solid Bronze Collection, this Tubular Gripset handle features a satin nickel escutcheon, concealed exterior screws, and an option for various lever or knob designs inside. It comes standard with a tubular latch and deadbolt. Nine levers and two knob designs are available. Ashley Norton. 800-393-1097. www.ashleynorton.com.
Old World: The Archetypes Collection features three lines of elegantly designed door hardware, including this Chateau tubular handleset. Cast in bronze, the mortise lockset has a covered cylinder crowned by a shelled motif and acanthus vines. It is shown in pewter bronze that will continue to age. Baldwin Hardware Corp. 800-566-1986. www.baldwinhardware.com.
Values Proposition: The manufacturer claims its WAP Series replacement windows offer 12 times more energy savings per household than other common weatherization measures. Designed for Weatherization Assistance Program agencies to help low-income families reduce energy costs, the windows are available in vinyl or fiberglass with R-values up to 11. Serious Materials. 800-797-8159. www.seriousmaterials.com.
Outside Slider: Designed for large openings measuring up to 13 1/2 feet tall, the Beefy Bifold can open a home to the great outdoors. The system is constructed with a top-hung and center-pivoting design that allows taller and wider panels than most other folding doors. Panels are available in all aluminum, aluminum with wood interior, and all wood. Weiland Sliding Doors and Windows. 760-722- 8828. www.weilandslidingdoors.com.