Aug 11 2010
Remodelers and homebuilders are familiar with ENERGY STAR ratings and the tax credit for energy efficient replacement windows, but on May 27, 2010, another initiative for energy efficient windows was introduced to help bring ultra efficient windows to market.
Through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Highly Insulating R-5 Windows and Low-e Storm Windows Volume Purchase Program, distributors, remodelers, homebuilders, contractors and consumers can now purchase highly energy efficient R-5 windows, which offer significant cost-saving improvements over standard energy efficient windows on today’s market. Ply Gem Windows, a leading manufacturer of window and door products for residential construction, has been approved as one of only 50 suppliers to offer R-5 window products through the program.
Through this initiative, the DOE aims to create awareness and acceptance of high insulating R-5 windows, pair large-volume buyers with manufacturers of such windows, help manufacturers overcome initial cost barriers of producing R-5 windows, and get one step closer to zero-energy building.
R-5 windows
Ply Gem Windows is uniquely positioned in the program with a full line of qualifying products for both the new construction and retrofit markets, including double-hung, picture, slider, casement and awning window styles, plus patio doors. Additionally, Ply Gem has gone beyond the program requirements of a simple white interior, white exterior vinyl window and is offering decorative options not typically available today on R-5 windows, including exterior colors, woodgrain interiors, and grilles between glass.
“For the past 20 years, Ply Gem has been manufacturing energy efficient windows that incorporate the latest technologies in the industry,” said Chris Pickering, vice president, marketing, Ply Gem Windows. “With each new advancement, we strive to keep products at a competitive price. Ply Gem is uniquely qualified to participate in this program due to our initiatives to cost-effectively manufacture highly efficient products that will help consumers save significantly on heating and cooling bills, and will help drive business to our distributor partners.”
Windows with an R-value (resistance) of 5 are some of the most energy efficient windows commercially available in the U.S. As a comparison, ENERGY STAR rated windows typically hold an R-value of 3. By increasing the R-value from 3 to 5, average heat loss through the window is reduced by 30 percent to 40 percent.
To purchase windows through the program, a minimum order of 20 units is required for new construction purchases, and a minimum of 15 units is required for retrofit windows.
When purchasing R-5 windows in large quantities, the DOE has determined that the price differential over typical R-3 ENERGY STAR rated windows is reduced from $8 per square foot to less than $4 per square foot. This price premium will dramatically improve the energy savings payback over the life of the window for consumers in colder and mixed climates, as much less heat will escape through windows during cold months.
To qualify as a supplier through this program, manufacturers were required to produce windows with U-factors (the rate at which a window conducts non-solar heat flow) of less than .20 for fixed windows and .22 for operable windows. A lower U-factor means greater resistance to heat flow and better insulation. Qualifying Ply Gem Windows products have U-factors as low as .15. This far exceeds qualifications for the tax credit for energy efficient replacement windows, which require a U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of .30 or lower. Because the R-5 windows exceed .30/.30 tax credit requirements, by purchasing Ply Gem Windows through the Volume Purchase Program before December 31, 2010, homeowners will receive an added benefit of qualifying for the $1,500 credit.
Other Volume Purchase Program qualifications for manufacturers included requirements for resistance to air leakage, as well as 20-year warranties on glass parts and 10-year warranties on non-glass parts.
Source: http://www.plygem.com/