May 10 2005
It's the fourth most common home remodeling project and experts say it can make a major difference when it comes to utility bills. Yet many homeowners don't know their U-values from their elbows when it comes to replacing windows and doors with more efficient options.
Who can blame them?
From coefficient ratings to Low-E and insulated glass, there's a whirlwind of technology, terminology and options on the market today.
According to JELD-WEN, a leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors, that's causing homeowners to seek out clear explanations in order to make the best choices. The time is right to consider ways to reduce energy bills. The thought of a long, expensive summer coupled with rising energy costs is causing homeowners to get hot under the collar, especially since Americans are using more energy during the summer season than ever before.
Statistics from the Department of Energy show that in 1978, only 23 percent of U.S. homes had central air conditioning. By 1997, that figure had jumped to 47 percent, and now Americans spend millions of dollars per year to cool their homes.
“Energy efficiency mainly used to be a cold season concern,” said Patrick Hooper, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN windows. “That's changed. Today, homeowners want to lower their utility costs throughout the entire year. There is no seasonality for energy efficiency anymore.”
While energy efficiency may know no season, JELD-WEN says this is the time of year when many homeowners embark on remodeling projects, making it a timely opportunity to incorporate energy efficient options.
“Summer is a typical time to replace windows and doors, but it can be a challenge to figure out what the best choices are for your home and how to compare apples to apples when evaluating energy efficiency,” said Hooper. “It's a good idea to ask questions and do your research before you start the process, especially because it's a decision that can have a major impact on your pocketbook.”
Research shows that homeowners want to know about energy efficient choices. Studies from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), Lowe's and the ENERGY STAR program show that energy efficiency is a top priority for homeowners.
In a survey conducted by the NFRC in 2004, 97 percent of respondents said energy performance would be an “important” or “very important” factor in their decision when purchasing windows.
Named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year in 2003, JELD-WEN addresses the most common questions related to windows and doors energy efficiency and offers suggestions for how to make the best selection.