Qualified Remodeler Magazine

JAN 2016

Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.

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But today energy efciency isn't as simple as making windows airtight, a factor empha- sized in recent updates to the U.S. Dept. of Energy's well-recognized Energy Star certi- fcation program. In addition to air infltra- tion and insulation, the standard also focuses on solar heat gain. Energy Star Version 6.0, which took efect in most of the country last January and goes into efect in the Northern Zone just this month, has increased perfor- mance requirements for insulating and solar heat gain performance. Energy Star's regional approach is import- ant because energy-use patterns difer across the U.S. For example, solar heat gain can drive air-conditioning use up in Southern be placed," says Brandon Jacobson, another of Pella's product specialists. In warmer regions, that coating will be placed on the exterior face of the exterior pane, while it might be specifed for the inner face of that pane in colder climates to allow slightly more heat gain — and to better refect the home's own heat inward. Because Energy Star-rated products, which often come with a price premium, aren't in ev- ery homeowner's budget, manufacturers have been working to ensure efciency upgrades are possible at every price point. As a result, almost all suppliers now ofer multiple win- dow lines, with increased performance and customization available as budgets go up. "Regardless of segment, energy efciency is a topic that matters," says Christine Marvin, Marvin Windows' marketing director. However, it doesn't mean all customers will be striving for top-tier performance. "I see double-pane windows with argon remaining the standard, unless it's driven by code." Marvin isn't alone in predicting the con- tinuing consumer preference for at least a base level of improved efciency. "Tere should still be energy efciency at all budget levels," says states, but it also can supplement the output of hard-working furnaces in cold Northern winters. As a result, Energy Star allows for a higher solar heat gain coefcient (SHGC) for window, skylight and door products sold in the coldest climates. Window manufacturers are well aware of such difering regional requirements and have a number of options for meeting them. For example, as most windows now feature at least two (and sometimes three) panes, there are more options for engineering low- emissivity (Low-E) coating placement to meet varying needs. "As demands have changed, we've given more options where that low-E coating can PROVIA's Aeris Window Series (shown opposite and left) pairs a prefinished wood interior with a maintenance-free vinyl exterior.Along with the double- hung styles shown here, the windows also can be ordered as casements, awnings or sliders. Homeowners can further customize with architectural shapes and picture windows. Circle 14 on inquiry card PELLA's Impervia line (above) features a durable powder-coat finish that adds the look of painted wood to high-efficiency fiberglass windows. The company's Designer Series windows (left) add a smart-home upgrade, between-the-glass blinds and Insynctive technology, that enables remote monitoring and blind operation. Circle 15 on inquiry card QualifiedRemodeler.com QR January 2016 55

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