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Is Your Window Dealer Prepared?
If you’ve heard the news that building envelope standards are changing next year, don’t worry, Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey and Metro New York is prepared to meet the new benchmarks. Energy Star has tightened their certification standards and some companies may find that their minimal fenestration home improvement products (skylights, doors and windows) may not qualify to carry the prestigious label going forward.
The coming year will bring changes, and we want you to know about them.
Understanding Your Zone
There are basically four climate zones in the United States, according to the Energy Star guidelines. Zones are determined primarily based upon the amount of time you have to run your air conditioner compared to how many weeks or months you use your furnace to keep your home comfortable. We’re in the North-Central Region so the primary change most of our customers will see is a new U-factor rating on the performance labels. The U-factor rating is generally a number applied to winter performance – how well a replacement window controls indoor temperature by keeping heat inside. Air leakage, heat transfer and moisture control all influence the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) evaluation and labeling standards. Beginning in January 2016, homeowners researching replacement windows will need to pay particular attention to U-factor ratings and other label data specifically for the North-Central Zone.
Understanding the Impact on Costs
New manufacturing and performance benchmarks will mean companies have to invest in the newest glass technology – fortunately, we already use quality standards that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements. Some companies may have to modify window designs and factory processes to comply with changes. For those replacement window companies that haven’t been updating their processes and products as new technology and materials become available, this could require a significant financial investment. Naturally, the higher costs of manufacturing and materials will show up in higher prices for consumers.
Understanding the Benefits and Risks for Consumers
Higher standards should result in lower heating and air conditioning bills, a higher return on investment and better comfort control for homeowners. Installing new casement, double-hung, or any superior performing replacement window, ultimately reduces our nation’s strain on energy resources and leads to a healthier environment – inside the home and outside.
It is important to note that installation requirements may also change, which could present additional burdens for homeowners if their installers aren’t up to date on the latest codes. Installing replacement windows that don’t meet ENERGY STAR standards, could mean homeowners face the prospect of fines from municipalities, homeowner associations and other local government agencies.
Understanding how Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey & New York Metro Can Help
Throughout our long history of serving Northern New Jersey and the New York Metropolitan area, we have been among the first to prepare for upcoming changes in industry standards. Going forward, we will continue to give our customers the information they need to make informed decisions. Our glazing and frame choices already meet or exceed industry guidelines and our customers will never have to worry about finding an approved installation contractor. Our skilled, fully-trained installation experts have the experience and expertise to replace your existing windows according to manufacturing guidelines that ensure your window performance meets expectations and improves energy efficiency in your home for years into the future.
As part of our commitment to express value and appreciation for our customers, we have made every effort to control manufacturing costs associated with the upcoming changes. Our selection of replacement window styles is certain to provide opportunities to reduce utility bills, increase comfort for homes in New Jersey and metropolitan New York and improve comfort for homes in our area. Although the standards are stricter, we are prepared.
Change can be good. We continually look for innovative solutions to improve product performance and deliver benefits for our customers and the climate, even without being compelled to by new regulations. There was a time that wood was the only frame option. For a while, vinyl was embraced as the most environmentally friendly framing material on the market. Today, we recommend Fibrex, a revolutionary composite that is made from new and reclaimed wood and vinyl.
Our large portfolio of replacement windows and patio door options are aligned to the new standards. We want to help you increase the comfort and energy-efficiency of your home. If you have questions about the new ratings, or are ready to schedule a personal in-home consultation to discuss updating your home, simply call us today at (866) 609-5033 or fill in the short form on the page to request more information.
Learn Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Buying Replacement Windows