renewal by andersen®

Company News and Events - Massachusetts (MA) and New Hampshire (NH)

MEDIA RELEASE

Be Environmentally Responsible With Your Replacement Windows and Doors

COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. – Energy efficiency has become more important than ever, especially as energy costs continue to rise and cooler weather sets in across New England. Many homeowners in Massachusetts (MA) – including Boston, western Massachusetts (MA), Springfield, Bondsville, Middleton, Worcester, Chicopee, Hampden County, and the North Shore – are actively seeking new ways to reduce monthly heating bills. ENERGY STAR® says that the average American household spends $1,900 each year on energy bills, with as much as half of that going toward heating and cooling costs.

Homeowners looking for a significant reduction on their energy bills can start with their windows and doors. Sub-standard windows and doors can be the weakest energy link in any home, accounting for up to 40 percent of heat loss during the winter. That is where replacement windows from a company like Renewal by Andersen® can make a difference.

Homeowners are increasingly looking toward replacement windows – including casement windows, double-hung windows, and sliding and gliding patio doors – to increase energy efficiency inside the home. Craig Evanich, president of Renewal by Andersen®, strongly suggests that homeowners consider designations from organizations such as ENERGY STAR®, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), and other independent agencies that help consumers choose energy efficient and environmentally friendly windows and other products.

The ENERGY STAR® designation is designed to help homeowners make energy efficient choices on products such as residential and commercial replacement windows, thus achieving significant savings on heating and cooling costs. The U.S. Department of Energy states that ENERGY STAR®-approved replacement windows can save you up to 15 percent on energy bills over your current single-pane glass windows.

Replacement windows are also rated for energy efficiency by the NFRC, which compares replacement window products using an independent standard for rating and labeling. An NFRC label, like the one on all Renewal by Andersen® replacement windows, means the performance of that product has been certified via an “apples to apples” comparison with other similar products.

“When comparing windows, be sure to check a window’s U-Factor on the NFRC label,” Evanich said. “A window with a lower U-Factor has better insulation properties. U-Factors run from .01 to .99. In colder climates, a factor of 0.35 or lower is recommended.”

Homeowners in Massachusetts (MA) are not only seeking the best value on energy efficient replacement windows, they are also trying to be more eco-friendly and environmentally responsible. This requires consumers to consider the full life-cycle of a product, from materials and manufacturing to use, recycling, and disposal.

In an effort to make eco-friendly windows and screens, every Renewal by Andersen® replacement window frame is manufactured with a patented composite material that blends 40 percent reclaimed wood fibers with 60 percent thermoplastic polymers. This low-maintenance material never needs scraping or painting, which reduces the waste created by ongoing maintenance.*

The wood fibers used in this material are directly reclaimed from manufacturing processes, which minimizes the overall impact on the environment. In 2001, Renewal by Andersen® became the first manufacturer of replacement windows to be certified by Green Seal. Today, Renewal by Andersen® continues to be the only replacement window manufacturer to achieve Green Seal certification. Products approved by Green Seal exceed energy efficiency requirements and are manufactured in an environmentally conscious manner.

The durability of a window is crucial to making energy efficient replacement windows a sound long-term investment, and avoiding future waste. Evanich asks consumers shopping for quality replacement windows to look for a strong warranty, and consider that long-term value should take precedent over price.
“Saving a few dollars now could mean another replacement project just a few years down the road,” Evanich said.



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* See the Renewal by Andersen® limited warranty
“ENERGY STAR®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“Renewal by Andersen®” and all other marks where denoted, are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2007 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

Contact Erin Ross, Renewal by Andersen, Phone: 651.264.4506, Fax: 651.275.6265