The most recent edition of Remodeling Magazine lists the most cost-effective home improvement projects for 2008-09. Homeowners who implemented any of these projects found their investments pay back in improved resale value.

Additionally, Premier Window’s Premier Package window guarantees up to 30% fuel efficiency and with the government Economic Stimulus Bill, can completely pay for themselves in less than 3 years*

*based upon the purchase of 8 windows.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Windows, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

How the Stimulus Bill affects your window purchase decision

February 25, 2009

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that made some significant changes to the energy efficiency tax credits. The highlights are:

The tax credits that were previously effective for 2009, have been extended to 2010 as well.

The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30%.

The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount (ex $300 for a CAC), have been converted to 30% of the cost.

The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009–2010). However, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1,500 maximum.

The $200 cap on windows has been removed.

Tax credits are now available for home improvements:

must be “placed in service” from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010
must be for taxpayers principal residence
maximum amount is $1,500 in 2009 & 2010 for most home improvements (geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and windmills are not subject to this cap)
for record keeping, save your receipts and the Manufacturer Certification Statement, OR for windows, you can save the ENERGY STAR label from your new windows
improvements made in 2009 will be claimed on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010) — use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) — it will be available late 2009 or early 2010

Premier Window has the window that meets your energy-savings and stimulus bill requirements…introducing the Model 6500 “Premier Package”

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Doors, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Office locations, Raleigh, Windows, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

Double vs Triple Pane Windows

January 31, 2009

A guide to choosing between double and triple pane windows.

Windows are a significant expense in any home, so the thought of having to replace them fills many people with dread. While the variety of choices is certainly an asset to consumers, it can also feel like a minefield as you carefully wade through the decisions that you need to make.

The argument of double pane versus triple pane windows is pretty basic, and one of the first that you need to make. While on the surface, it would seem that triple is better, that is not necessarily so. Each type of window has strengths and weaknesses; your job is to find the best for your situation.

The best way to start is with a basic explanation of how a window works. Both double and triple pane windows use a type of inert gas sandwiched between layers of glass. Double pane windows consist of two layers of glass with one layer of gas in the middle. Triple pane windows consist of three layers of glass, the exterior glass, a layer of gas, the middle glass, another layer of gas, and the interior layer glass. The gas acts as insulation to slow the transfer of heat or cold through the window.

Double pane windows are relatively lightweight, relatively efficient, and moderately priced. Triple pane windows are extremely efficient, but also extremely heavy and extremely expensive. Depending on what type of weather you have, you will have to decide what works best for you. In most temperate areas, double pane glass will make the most sense. If you live in an area with long, cold or windy winters, you will probably want to look at triple pane windows.

There are a variety of choices even within the double and triple pane glass windows. If you are looking at triple pane glass because you live in an extremely warm or sunny climate and want to keep your cool air in your house, you do have another option. In a situation like this you should spend some time looking at double pane glass with UV coating. The double pane glass will provide a good insulating factor, and the UV coating will shut the sun’s heat out of your house. Many times these windows can work just as well if not better than a triple pane window.

As you can see, in most cases double pane windows will be the window of choice. There will, of course, be exceptions to this rule, but generally, when you line up the cost, convenience and energy savings, modern double pane windows will be the winner. Triple pane windows do have their place, or they would not continue to be produced. If you live in an extreme environment it would be advisable to get advice from your local power company for their recommendations. You could also spend some time talking with your neighbors, and find out if they are happy with their windows. Many times they will be the first to tell you the pros and cons of their situation, and they have no financial gain in your decision. The investment in new windows is too pricey to be taken without adequate research.

Credit: Essortment.com - Information and advice you want to know…

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Windows | Leave a Comment

The NFRC Label - What do those numbers mean?

December 8, 2008

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) energy performance label can help you determine how well a product will perform the functions of helping to cool your building in the summer, warm your building in the winter, keep out wind, and resist condensation. By using the information contained on the label, consumers can reliably compare one product with another, and make informed decisions about the windows, doors, and skylights they buy.

NFRC adopted a new energy performance label in 2005. It lists the manufacturer, describes the product, provides a source for additional information, and includes ratings for one or more energy performance characteristics.

NOTE: All energy performance values on the label represent the rating of windows/doors as whole systems (glazing and frame).

The information contained on the label is also available in the NFRC’s online directory.

U-Factor

U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor (U-value) of a window assembly. U-Factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20. The insulating value is indicated by the R-value which is the inverse of the U-value. The lower the U-value, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window (both directly transmitted and absorbed) and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits in the house.

Visible Transmittance

Visible Transmittance (VT) measures how much light comes through a product. The visible transmittance is an optical property that indicates the amount of visible light transmitted. VT is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.

Air Leakage*

Air Leakage (AL) is indicated by an air leakage rating expressed as the equivalent cubic feet of air passing through a square foot of window area (cfm/sq ft). Heat loss and gain occur by infiltration through cracks in the window assembly. The lower the AL, the less air will pass through cracks in the window assembly.

Condensation Resistance*

Condensation Resistance (CR) measures the ability of a product to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of that product. The higher the CR rating, the better that product is at resisting condensation formation. While this rating cannot predict condensation, it can provide a credible method of comparing the potential of various products for condensation formation. CR is expressed as a number between 0 and 100.

* This rating is optional and manufacturers can choose not to include it.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Uncategorized, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). Why is it important?

December 8, 2008

The SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both admitted through a window, both directly transmitted, and absorbed and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower a window’s solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits.

Northern Climate: To reduce heating, select the highest SHGC you can find (usually 0.30-0.60 for the U-factor ranges required in colder climates) so that winter solar gains can offset a portion of the heating energy need. If cooling is a significant concern, select windows with a SHGC less than 0.55. Use RESFEN to understand trade-offs.

North/Central Climate: If you have significant air conditioning costs or summer overheating problems, look for SHGC values of 0.40 or less. If you have moderate air conditioning requirements, select windows with a SHGC of 0.55 or less. While windows with lower SHGC values reduce summer cooling and overheating, they also reduce free winter solar heat gain. Use a computer program such as RESFEN to understand heating and cooling trade-offs.

South/Central Climate: If you have moderate air conditioning requirements, select windows with a SHGC of 0.55 or less. While windows with lower SHGC values reduce summer cooling and overheating, they also reduce free winter solar heat gain. Use a computer program such as RESFEN to understand heating and cooling trade-offs.

Southern Climate: A low SHGC is the most important window property in warm climates. Select windows with a SHGC less than 0.40.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Jefferson, Raleigh, Uncategorized, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

What is U-Factor?

December 8, 2008

The U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor of a window assembly. U-factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20.

In the United States, the U-factor is usually expressed in Btu/h ft² F. The metric equivalent unit is W/m² K.

The insulating value is indicated by the R-value, which is the inverse of the U-factor. The lower the U-factor, the greater a window’s resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. The U-factor is included in the energy performance rating (label) offered by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cheasapeake, Cleveland, Columbia, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Mobile Window Customer Cashes In on Premier Referral Program

November 26, 2008

Satisfying customers is just one goal for Premier Window employees. From our initial contact through the installation process, we strive to provide a professional and satisfying experience for the customer. Our best form of advertising is a referral from a previous customer. To that end, Premier has developed a “Referral Reward” program to thank the person referring us. When a satisfied customer refers us to a friend or neighbor, we send them $50. Additional referrals are a awarded $100 for each referral. With enough referrals, a customer can pay for their own window project.

The following is an email received from a customer serviced by our Mobile, Alabama Premier store:

“I am extremely pleased with the windows and quality of work by your technician doing the installation. That is why I have told many others about your service. I did know about the referral program. This is my third referral. I will continue to refer, not just for the fee but for the quality and self satisfaction.” –Mr. J.Mosley

We thank Mr. Mosley for his business and the new customers he’s sent us.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Installations, Jefferson, Mobile, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Year-round Comfort with Solarban® 60 Solar Control Low-E Glass

October 17, 2008

Solarban 60 glass is the ideal energy efficient window solution for climates in which you want to:

* Block direct solar heat year-round.
* Reduce solar heat gain where air conditioning costs are significant.
* Reduce fading and degradation of a home’s carpets, curtains, and furniture from UV rays.
* Provide improved comfort in the winter.

The low-e coating on Solarban 60 glass is applied by the magnetic sputtered vacuum deposition process to ensure superior thermal performance. It is the first PPG glass to offer solar control along with the insulating performance and aesthetic benefits of low-emissivity glass (low-e glass).

Solarban 60 Low-E Glass Performance Properties

Standard Insulating Glass Unit with clear glass, conventional aluminum spacer, and air fill. Solarban® 60 Insulating Glass unit with Solarban® Solar Control Low-E glass, Intercept® spacer, and argon gas fill.
Solarban® 60 glass keeps you warmer in the winter

The overall U-Value (insulating value) of windows with Solarban® Low-E glass is about 39% better than standard clear insulating glass. (Lower U-values mean higher insulating performance.)

Winter Furnace Heat
Window U-Value(clear glass)=0.46 Window U-Value(Solarban 60)=0.28

Solarban® 60 glass keeps you cooler in the summer

Solarban® Low-E glass transmits about 48% less solar energy than standard clear insulating glass.* Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a measure of how much solar heat is transmitted through the glass. (Lower numbers mean less summer heat.)

Summer Solar Heat
SHGC=0.75 SHGC=0.39

Solarban® 60 glass reduces U.V. Energy and allows visible light transmittance

Solarban® Low-E glass is about 72% more effective at reducing fabric-fading ultraviolet (U.V.) energy, yet still allows about 88% as much visible light in as standard clear insulating glass.*

Transmittances (without/with Solarban 60)
Ultraviolet Energy=58%
Visible Light=81%

Ultraviolet Energy=16%
Visible Light=71%
*Comparisons are based on center of glass measurements of 3/4″ insulating glass units; two 1/8″ (3mm) glass panes and a 1/2″ (12mm) air space. Actual glass performance may differ silghtly due to glass thickness, gas fill, and glass to frame ratio.

Solarban 60 Low-E Glass Features and Benefits

Solarban 60 Solar Control Low-E Glass Features

Improves window U-value as compared to uncoated glass.
Allows the inner pane to stay warmer in winter.
Reduces room side condensation of the window.
Reduces the transmission of ultraviolet light.
Has a natural appearance, both when viewed from the outside and inside.
Carries a 10-year warranty against coating failure. PPG has sold more than 100 million sq. ft. of low-e glasses since 1984 without a single documented coating failure.
Created by PPG, a leader in flat glass manufacturing with extensive quality assurance and technical services groups and one of the world’s largest glass research and development centers.

Solarban 60 Solar Control Low-E Glass Benefits

Customers save on both heating and cooling costs with energy efficient windows.
Comfort is enhanced by reducing drafts around windows and allowing higher room humidity without condensation
Builder callbacks and potential window deterioration due to excessive condensation are reduced.
Fading of interior furnishings, such as carpets, drapes, and furniture may be reduced.
The exterior of the home maintains a pleasing appearance and interior colors remain true.
Customers can be assured that the glass in their windows is backed by the strength and experience of a leader in the glass industry and a Fortune 300 company.
PPG customers enjoy outstanding technical support and access to the most advanced products in the window and door industry.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cleveland, Energy, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Windows, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

Glossary of terms-Windows

October 17, 2008

As you do research for your replacement window purchase, you’ll hear and learn a number of terms related to features and function of the window product. Here are a few of those terms:

Argon Gas- This odorless, colorless gas is inserted between panes of glass for insulation and also increases a window’s energy efficiency by reducing conductive heat transfer.

Awning Window- This style of window swings out from the bottom and away from a building, just like an awning.

Bay Window- A three-unit window with a center piece flanked by two side panels that are usually angled at 30 or 45 degrees.

Bow Window- A combination of windows composed of four or more units, which are aligned in a smooth curving contour.

Casement Window- A window that swings open from the side, hinging at the top and bottom of the frame. Nailing Fin (Flange)- A strip of sheet material either integral or fastened to a unit’s frame, creating a flange. This is a common method to install new construction windows and doors.

Double Hung Window- Consists of top and bottom vertically sliding sashes in a single frame.

Picture Window- A large, fixed or stationary window designed to provide a maximum viewing area without obstructions.

Emissivity- The relative ability of a surface to radiate heat. R Value- Measure of a window’s overall resistance to heat transmission from different air temperatures on either side of the glass.

Frame- The outer components of a window or door unit, consisting of a head jamb, side jambs, blind stops and window sills, as applies. Sash- A wood/vinyl perimeter to support the glass of a window, holding it separately from the frame and allowing some independent movement from the frame.

Fusion Welded- A process of melting two or more items together (i.e., a window sash and frame) via welding. Single Hung Window- A window system with only one glass unit movable in the window pane.

Geometric Window- Specialty windows customized to fit a variety of shapes, such as starburst, gothic, colonial, etc. within a door pattern.

Glazing- 1) Act of fitting a window or door frame with glass. 2) Installing glass into a window or door frame. Slider Window- A window that opens horizontally.

Glazing Bead- A long, thin piece of moulded wood used to secure glass to the sash or frame of a window; silicone is often used to create a seal between the glass and wooden glazing bead.

Hermetically Sealed- An airtight seal.

Insulating Glass- Comprised of two or more pieces of glazing (glass) separated by hermetically sealed airspace for improved thermal efficiency.

Kickplate- Applied to one or both sides of a door’s bottom rail, this thin, polished metal plate is used to prevent denting and soiling of the wood surface.

Laminating- Method of bonding two or more layers of glass together using heat and pressure, with inner layers of transparent plastic. This process provides one of the best avenues to blocking ultraviolet rays.

Low E Glass- Windows that have been coated with a transparent, metallic layer to the glass surface, reducing its emissivity or ability to radiate heat.

Mulled- To join two windows or doors together, side by side.

NCTL Validated- National Certified Testing Labs (NCTL) is an organization that performs standardized tests on windows to ensure proper quality control levels.

NFRC Rating- The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a non-profit group comprised of manufacturers, builders, designers, government officials, utilities and consumers working together to provide unbiased energy performance ratings for windows, doors and skylights (fenestrations).

Tempered Glass- Plate glass with increased strength due to a special heat-treatment for greater strength as a safety glass.

Thermal Performance- A window’s ability to act as a barrier to the transfer of heat.

Thermo-Edge Spacer- A system where protected insulated glass creates increased temperatures along the window’s edges and therefore reduces the potential for condensation on the glass surface.

Transom- An operating window unit for specific use above a door or window.

Weatherstripping- Material used to provide a weather-tight seal between a window/door sash or frame.

Posted by tmadej | Filed Under Charlotte, Cleveland, Energy, Installations, Jefferson, Mobile, Raleigh, Windows, Winston-Salem | Leave a Comment

What is Fenestration?

October 17, 2008

What is Fenestration?

Fenestration: Any opening in a building’s envelope including windows, doors and skylights.

Windows, doors, skylights and curtain wall manufacturers are constantly improving and re-designing their products to meet the needs of their customers.

How do customers know the benefits they can get from new technology?

By looking for the NFRC label or Label Certificate and understanding what NFRC ratings mean.

There are a number of resources available to assist you in this area

* Information on the NFRC Label basic explanation of the NFRC label and rating system
* NFRC Fact Sheets explain the various issues involved in comparing energy related fenestration performance - from U-factor to Daylighting; from Condensation Resistance to Solar Heat Gain.