If you are like me you're already thing "how can this guy proclaim that his choice for replacement windows is the best?" Stay with me here and I'll make my case. I'll back it up with independent testing data too.
Preservation Replacement Windows feature EnergyMaxx10 high performance glass. Glass is 80-85% of the window unit so it's probably the most important piece of the energy efficiency puzzle.
EnergyMaxx10 uses the SST Warm Edge Spacer System (the spacer system is another subject soon to come on this blog). It also uses two chambers of krypton gas rather than argon. Krypton gas has two and a half times the insulation value as argon, commonly used by other manufacturers. It is more than 100 times more expensive but when the gas chambers total 1 full inch and there are two chambers rather than one you get a heck of a U-factor for the glass in your replacement windows.
One other point that will put things in a context that is easy to understand is that Preservation Replacement Windows already meet the proposed Energy Star Standards for 2015 . It is the first window to achieve that level. In fact, the "off the shelf" Andersen, Pella, and Marvin Windows don't even currently meet the 2012 proposed standards.
The Twin Cities Preservation Replacement Window Dealer of Distinction is Northland Home Exteriors. Northland is located in Oakdale and Forest Lake, MN.
My next blog will be about the SST Warm Edge Spacer system and what it means to the energy efficiency of replacement windows.
Showing posts with label preservation windows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label preservation windows. Show all posts
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Preservation Replacement Windows In The Twin Cities Area
Preservation Replacement Windows are a hit in the Twin Cities area because of their energy efficiency. I've received letters and emails from several Preservation customers that have been nothing short of ringing endorsements for Preservation and, in particular, Northland Home Exteriors.
One customer says "I put Preservation Replacement Windows and Siding on my house. My heating fuel usage dropped slightly over 67%." He goes on to say that "the house feels warmer all the time now" and says "when I opened my first bill and compared it to last year I actually doubted that the bill was right."
I wondered if these reports were being prompted by the dealer so I checked Preservation Windows out on the NFRC website where the independent test results can be found. The results astounded me. The Preservation Replacement Windows that were described to me had a U-factor that was the best I've ever seen. Since U-factor is the measure of heat loss I can see why Minnesotans are so excited about these windows.
Visiting the Preservation Windows website I found another little tidbit that was extremely telling. Preservation claims that they are the first window to achieve the proposed Energy Star Standard for 2015. The claim was substantiated by Department of Energy documents and the NFRC data I mentioned earlier.
If you are serious about saving energy with replacement windows you have to look seriously at Preservation Windows. I can't tell you much about pricing but they certainly have an impressive pedigree.
One customer says "I put Preservation Replacement Windows and Siding on my house. My heating fuel usage dropped slightly over 67%." He goes on to say that "the house feels warmer all the time now" and says "when I opened my first bill and compared it to last year I actually doubted that the bill was right."
I wondered if these reports were being prompted by the dealer so I checked Preservation Windows out on the NFRC website where the independent test results can be found. The results astounded me. The Preservation Replacement Windows that were described to me had a U-factor that was the best I've ever seen. Since U-factor is the measure of heat loss I can see why Minnesotans are so excited about these windows.
Visiting the Preservation Windows website I found another little tidbit that was extremely telling. Preservation claims that they are the first window to achieve the proposed Energy Star Standard for 2015. The claim was substantiated by Department of Energy documents and the NFRC data I mentioned earlier.
If you are serious about saving energy with replacement windows you have to look seriously at Preservation Windows. I can't tell you much about pricing but they certainly have an impressive pedigree.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
New Window Nearly Triples Energy Efficiency - New Twin Cities Dealer Named
Preservation Window Company, a subsidiary of American Materials, Inc., has developed the most energy efficient window on the market today. The change in energy efficiency is not incremental, it is a huge leap. The documentation given is remarkable.
The main reason for the huge change is a break-through in glass technology. Preservation's EnergyMaxx 10 glass is the first of its kind in the marketplace. It combines the properties of the SST Spacer system, triple-pane glass, new Low E coating technology, and the use of krypton gas between the panes of glass.
In 2006 sixty million window units with metal spacer systems and argon gas were sold in the United States. Those windows were state-of-the-art at the time but two years later they will be rendered obsolete in terms of energy efficiency. In fact, the Energy Star Program has set new minimum standards for windows manufactured in 2015. None of the aforementioned sixty million window units would be a certified product at that point. Preservation Windows with EnergyMaxx 10 glass already meets the 2015 standard.
The Preservation brand is distributed by a group of dealers considered to be the elite among home improvement contractors around the United States. Today it was announced that Northland Home Exteriors from Forest Lake and Oakdale, Minnesota has become the "Dealer of Distinction" for the Twin Cities area. They are the 22nd such dealer in the country.
According to Doyle Land, owner of Northland Home Exteriors, "This window is not only exciting for us, it's exciting for the whole northern region of the country." He goes on to say "Preservation is the only window I know of that will absolutely guarantee a 33% decrease in the homeowner's fuel consumption. It's in writing and it's a money-back guarantee."
Northland Home Exteriors begins distribution Monday, January 10.
Having an energy efficiency improvement like this doesn't happen every day. It is a much larger jump than we've been used to.
The main reason for the huge change is a break-through in glass technology. Preservation's EnergyMaxx 10 glass is the first of its kind in the marketplace. It combines the properties of the SST Spacer system, triple-pane glass, new Low E coating technology, and the use of krypton gas between the panes of glass.
In 2006 sixty million window units with metal spacer systems and argon gas were sold in the United States. Those windows were state-of-the-art at the time but two years later they will be rendered obsolete in terms of energy efficiency. In fact, the Energy Star Program has set new minimum standards for windows manufactured in 2015. None of the aforementioned sixty million window units would be a certified product at that point. Preservation Windows with EnergyMaxx 10 glass already meets the 2015 standard.
The Preservation brand is distributed by a group of dealers considered to be the elite among home improvement contractors around the United States. Today it was announced that Northland Home Exteriors from Forest Lake and Oakdale, Minnesota has become the "Dealer of Distinction" for the Twin Cities area. They are the 22nd such dealer in the country.
According to Doyle Land, owner of Northland Home Exteriors, "This window is not only exciting for us, it's exciting for the whole northern region of the country." He goes on to say "Preservation is the only window I know of that will absolutely guarantee a 33% decrease in the homeowner's fuel consumption. It's in writing and it's a money-back guarantee."
Northland Home Exteriors begins distribution Monday, January 10.
Having an energy efficiency improvement like this doesn't happen every day. It is a much larger jump than we've been used to.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Glass Designed For Zone 5
Energy Star's proposed standards for upcoming years have added two more zones to the United States. The northern most zone is zone 5 which includes Minneapolis, St. Paul, Fargo, Green Bay, and many others. It is also the zone where u-factor is the most important rating you will see on the NFRC label.
What is the NFRC label? It is the label on every manufacturer's window that reports the independent test rating of five major components. Heat loss is the term most often tied to u-factor and that is really a function of the glass used in manufacturing the replacement window. Now you see why I say that u-factor is most important in zone 5.
When Energy Star published their proposed standards for upcoming years they made it clear that they want the Energy Star logo to mean something on windows. They are setting much higher and harder to achieve energy efficiency standards.
EnergyMaxx10 glass is the heart of what makes the Preservation Window the most energy efficient window on the market. EnergyMaxx10 has a number of key components that make it so energy efficient. It has the SST spacer system, krypton gas, two gas-filled chambers, and one inch of total glass space.
The SST spacer system is the heart of 'warm edge technology'. The specifications for the SST system clearly show why but here is the short list.
What is the NFRC label? It is the label on every manufacturer's window that reports the independent test rating of five major components. Heat loss is the term most often tied to u-factor and that is really a function of the glass used in manufacturing the replacement window. Now you see why I say that u-factor is most important in zone 5.
When Energy Star published their proposed standards for upcoming years they made it clear that they want the Energy Star logo to mean something on windows. They are setting much higher and harder to achieve energy efficiency standards.
EnergyMaxx10 glass is the heart of what makes the Preservation Window the most energy efficient window on the market. EnergyMaxx10 has a number of key components that make it so energy efficient. It has the SST spacer system, krypton gas, two gas-filled chambers, and one inch of total glass space.
The SST spacer system is the heart of 'warm edge technology'. The specifications for the SST system clearly show why but here is the short list.
- Exclusive, patented tru warm edge.
- Patented double seal system.
- 54% more thermally efficient than windows made with conventional spacers.
- 950 times less conductive than aluminum spacers.
- 85 times less conductive than stainless steel spacers.
- Krypton gas has more than two and half times as much insulating value as argon.
- The chambers are larger than other glass types.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Using Krypton In Window Glass
The use of krypton in high performance glass is becoming more and more popular. The question in most people's mind is whether or not it's worth it. The answer is yes, definitely.
Krypton and argon are both used in between the lites of glass in Low E and High Performance glass products. Both are inert gases that are not harmful to humans. Both have higher density than air.
Krypton and argon are both used in between the lites of glass in Low E and High Performance glass products. Both are inert gases that are not harmful to humans. Both have higher density than air.
Krypton is a better insulator because it's more than twice as dense as argon. Here is an easy analogy for you:
If you were looking at a swimming pool and it was empty, you could hop in and walk the full length of it quite easily. That's what air between the panes of glass is like. If the pool had water in it you would take longer and spend quite a bit more energy walking from one end to the other. That would be like argon. Now let's fill that pool with Jello, Jello symbolizing krypton gas.
I'm sure you get the drift. Krypton is a far better insulator than argon simply because of its density. Here is some more from Efficient Windows.Org if you're more of a technical person.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Vinyl Clad Wood vs. Insulated Vinyl Windows
The Efficient Windows Collaborative recently had an article that compared the various types of replacement windows. Their rankings of window types was very interesting, especially when they compared energy efficiency.
The only glass pack that rated above average was the triple pane, low e, insulated vinyl replacement window. The reason I bring this to your attention is simple. That rules out any of the windows manufactured by the "Big Three" window makers. Yes that includes Renewal By Andersen.
If you've read my stuff before you probably see that I have about four favorite windows and they are all vinyl. Preservation Windows stand out from the crowd though. When you start looking at replacement window products start with Preservation Windows and compare the features. You'll see what I mean!
The only glass pack that rated above average was the triple pane, low e, insulated vinyl replacement window. The reason I bring this to your attention is simple. That rules out any of the windows manufactured by the "Big Three" window makers. Yes that includes Renewal By Andersen.
If you've read my stuff before you probably see that I have about four favorite windows and they are all vinyl. Preservation Windows stand out from the crowd though. When you start looking at replacement window products start with Preservation Windows and compare the features. You'll see what I mean!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Windows - Wood or Vinyl?
When someone asks me which type of window is better, wood or vinyl, I never hesitate to answer that vinyl makes a better window. It's almost like there is this little marketing war going on between the two types of window manufacturers. Most of what we hear is more urban myth than substance. I think it's simple to see that you can expect a vinyl window to last longer and be more energy efficient.
In the old days I used to think Andersen Windows were the standard because they were "the energy efficient window." If you don't already know, Andersen came out with vinyl clad windows and, at the time, they were the most innovative window on the market. The vinyl is PVC and it is like what the best vinyl windows are made of today. They used to be the prominent "vinyl clad" window in the whole world.
Now the same Andersen Windows are called wood windows. Funny, there hasn't been any structural change to the windows in 20 years. The Narroline windows are the same now as they were in 1975 except for the glass and other very minor changes. The only thing that's changed is perception. Vinyl clad was innovative back then so they were called vinyl clad windows. Now they are wood windows because natural wood is "in". Is it marketing or public perception?
My bias toward vinyl windows, especially replacement windows, is based on more scientific facts. For one, the good vinyl replacement windows have a Lifetime Warranty. Wood windows have a ten year warranty, at least the major ones like Andersen, Marvin, and Pella. Wood rots and that's just a fact. They can't possibly give a Lifetime Warranty or they would be out of business.
Vinyl is far more energy efficient than wood. The good vinyl windows have hollow chambers filled with foam insulation and offer a much higher r-factor than wood - even before the wood rots. The vinyl nowadays is uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride). Detractors often call them plastic windows because there is some kind of negative connotation about plastic. Note the "unplasticized" in uPVC. The virgin vinyl type will last a few human lifetimes without warping, cracking, or peeling. Vinyl never needs painting. Enough said about that.
I monitor one of the major window forums on the Internet and the most spirited argument I've ever seen was about warranties. One side argued that the lifetime warranty was better because it was forever. The other side countered that their windows, from the big three window makers, had a 10/20 warranty that was better than the lifetime warranty because they were still going to be in business to back the warranty. That was really interesting to me since the company that makes Preservation Windows has been in business for 68 years, has a solid reputation, and maintains solid earnings in tough economic times. They have a lifetime warranty that includes glass breakage and their u-factor rating was .19, twice as good as the big three. Nobody made that point and it didn't look like the type of argument I wanted to join. I was hearing banjo music in my head when I read some of the comments and it was very heated at times.
During that string of arguments someone mentioned Renewal By Andersen and their innovative material they call fibrex. Fibrex parts are only covered by a 10 year warranty. The material was developed in an effort to make the sawdust from Andersen's Bayport, Minnesota plant into something useful instead of burning thousands of tons of it every year. Fibrex is 40% reclaimed material. Since reground PVC has memory the polymers stretch and try to pull into their original form it's no wonder the warranty isn't longer. I'm not sold on fibrex until they prove that it's not the new "masonite". Do they seem confident with that 10 year warranty?
Preservation Windows has been named Energy Star Partner of the Year three times. They are more than twice as energy efficient as the big three and have a warranty that dwarfs theirs. Other good vinyl window makers with lifetime warranties include Simonton, Gorrell, and Milguard. My apology to any of the thousands of others who make really good vinyl windows. The two things the vinyl manufacturers have in common are energy efficiency and durability - none of them rot! And guess what, they don't expand and contract much either.
I think suffice is to say that vinyl windows, especially replacement windows, have too many important areas where their performance is far superior to wood. Please tell me what you think.
In the old days I used to think Andersen Windows were the standard because they were "the energy efficient window." If you don't already know, Andersen came out with vinyl clad windows and, at the time, they were the most innovative window on the market. The vinyl is PVC and it is like what the best vinyl windows are made of today. They used to be the prominent "vinyl clad" window in the whole world.
Now the same Andersen Windows are called wood windows. Funny, there hasn't been any structural change to the windows in 20 years. The Narroline windows are the same now as they were in 1975 except for the glass and other very minor changes. The only thing that's changed is perception. Vinyl clad was innovative back then so they were called vinyl clad windows. Now they are wood windows because natural wood is "in". Is it marketing or public perception?
My bias toward vinyl windows, especially replacement windows, is based on more scientific facts. For one, the good vinyl replacement windows have a Lifetime Warranty. Wood windows have a ten year warranty, at least the major ones like Andersen, Marvin, and Pella. Wood rots and that's just a fact. They can't possibly give a Lifetime Warranty or they would be out of business.
Vinyl is far more energy efficient than wood. The good vinyl windows have hollow chambers filled with foam insulation and offer a much higher r-factor than wood - even before the wood rots. The vinyl nowadays is uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride). Detractors often call them plastic windows because there is some kind of negative connotation about plastic. Note the "unplasticized" in uPVC. The virgin vinyl type will last a few human lifetimes without warping, cracking, or peeling. Vinyl never needs painting. Enough said about that.
I monitor one of the major window forums on the Internet and the most spirited argument I've ever seen was about warranties. One side argued that the lifetime warranty was better because it was forever. The other side countered that their windows, from the big three window makers, had a 10/20 warranty that was better than the lifetime warranty because they were still going to be in business to back the warranty. That was really interesting to me since the company that makes Preservation Windows has been in business for 68 years, has a solid reputation, and maintains solid earnings in tough economic times. They have a lifetime warranty that includes glass breakage and their u-factor rating was .19, twice as good as the big three. Nobody made that point and it didn't look like the type of argument I wanted to join. I was hearing banjo music in my head when I read some of the comments and it was very heated at times.
During that string of arguments someone mentioned Renewal By Andersen and their innovative material they call fibrex. Fibrex parts are only covered by a 10 year warranty. The material was developed in an effort to make the sawdust from Andersen's Bayport, Minnesota plant into something useful instead of burning thousands of tons of it every year. Fibrex is 40% reclaimed material. Since reground PVC has memory the polymers stretch and try to pull into their original form it's no wonder the warranty isn't longer. I'm not sold on fibrex until they prove that it's not the new "masonite". Do they seem confident with that 10 year warranty?
Preservation Windows has been named Energy Star Partner of the Year three times. They are more than twice as energy efficient as the big three and have a warranty that dwarfs theirs. Other good vinyl window makers with lifetime warranties include Simonton, Gorrell, and Milguard. My apology to any of the thousands of others who make really good vinyl windows. The two things the vinyl manufacturers have in common are energy efficiency and durability - none of them rot! And guess what, they don't expand and contract much either.
I think suffice is to say that vinyl windows, especially replacement windows, have too many important areas where their performance is far superior to wood. Please tell me what you think.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Northland Home Exteriors - Dealer of Distinction
When you choose Preservation, you not only get the industry's best windows and siding, you get the best dealer. Northland Home Exteriors is the Twin Cities area Dealer of Distinction for Preservation Premium Windows and Siding. Every Dealer of Distinction is sure to posess all of these attributes:
- High quality installation and service standards
- Design Expertise
- Established, Consistent Reliability
- Results-Oriented Consulting for Energy Solutions
- Solid Reputation in the Community and Industry
- High Rate of Customer Referrals
As the newest member of the Preservation Dealer of Distinction Program Northland meets all of these qualifications. They have a proven track record and their owner, Doyle Land, has more than 20 years experience in the business. He knows a great product when he sees it, making Preservation and Northland partners with the same goal.
A Dealer of Distinction is a dealer of impecable credentials. When you choose Preservation Windows and Siding you not only get the industry's best windows and siding you get the best dealer along with it.
Preservation isn't ordinary windows and siding. Intensive research and development give you unsurpassed beauty and uncompromising quality. It only makes sense that you can only get Preservation products from dealers who meet the same standards. There are only 22 Dealers of Distinction nationwide and we think that they, and our products, will be a perfect fit for your home.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Woodbury Replacement Windows
The climate in Woodbury, Minnesota requires the most energy efficient replacement windows that are available. That replacement window is no longer up for debate. There is one window on the replacement window market that is head and shoulders above the rest. That window is made by Preservation Windows.
The Preservation Replacement Window Dealer of Distinction for Woodbury is Northland Home Exteriors of Oakdale and Forest Lake, MN. Northland's owners have been in the business for over twenty years and have long been recognized as one of the top replacement window installers in the entire state of Minnesota. Northland also serves the rest of the TwinCities area for the full Preservation Collection, which includes their full siding line.
Preservation replacement windows are head and shoulders above the rest in many ways. The most important way is energy efficiency. The National Fenestration Rating Council independently tests replacement windows in five categories. The most important for the Minnesota climate is U-factor, the measure of heat loss. You'll find Preservation Windows at the top of their ranking for U-factor.
Another bit of independent evidence you can look at is the proposed Energy Star Window Standard for 2015. Preservation replacement windows already meet the standard for six years from now! The "Big Three" window manufacturers, including Andersen, Renewal by Andersen, Marvin, and Pella barely meet the 2009 standard and don't meet the proposed 2012 Energy Star Standard at all.
Preservation Windows are the replacement window of choice when taking advantage of the Washington County Owner-Occupied Home Imporvement Loan Program.
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