SustainableBusiness.com Newswire
06/19/2009 01:15 PM ET
News from: Simonton Windows
"Energy Savings Makeover" Project Uses Simonton Windows
PARKERSBURG, W. VA. - One lucky family in the Houston area will soon receive a whole-house Energy Savings Makeover that will change their lives --- and reduce their energy bills.
The project, organized by Gary Parr, host of the KSEV radio show "On the Air," has received more than 800 applications from people volunteering their homes in the Houston area. The home and family selected on June 26, 2009 will receive a house full of energy-efficient Simonton replacement windows along with a new HVAC system, tankless water heater, programmable thermostat, insulation, solar attic fans and other energy efficient features.
"When we're done with this house transformation, this may be one of the most energy efficient homes in Houston," says Parr. "Our goal is to cut the homeowner's energy bill by at least 50 percent while demonstrating to others how we achieved this impact."
To validate the energy savings, the Energy Systems Laboratory at Texas A&M University will conduct an energy audit on the home before any of the changes are made. They will make recommendations based on their research and will then conduct additional audits throughout the year to provide energy savings details and figures. Direct Energy, one of the largest multi-state providers of retail energy services in North America, will also do a Home Energy Rating System (HERS®) energy analysis on the home's design and make recommendations for improvements.
"Windows are critical to the energy efficiency of a home, so we're thrilled to have Simonton Windows® and the Norandex branch in Houston partnering with us on this project," says Parr. "Poorly-insulated windows can result in hefty energy bills, faded carpets and furnishings, and an uncomfortable living environment. With the ENERGY STAR® qualified Simonton windows we plan to use in this home, we expect to see an immediate savings on the energy bills and a distinct improvement in the living quality of the home."
Saving Cash
Simonton Windows will supply windows to the project built with the company's Energy Tax Credit (ETC) Glass packages that are certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) to meet a U-factor rating of 0.30 or less, and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or less. These are the energy ratings stated by the U.S. government that are required for homeowners to take advantage of the $1,500 energy tax credit as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Several competitively priced ETC glass package options are available on select Simonton products and styles, each providing optimal thermal performance and energy efficiency.
- The ETC Starter glass package includes a ¾-inch IGU, Intercept® Spacer System, Argon gas fill and ProSolarTM Soft Coat Low E glass.
- The ETC Starter 366 glass package includes a ¾-inch IGU, Intercept® Spacer System, Argon gas fill and Lo?³-366® glass.
- The ETC Super Solar glass package includes a 7/8-inch IGU, Super Spacer® System, Argon gas fill and ProSolarTM Soft Coat Low E glass.
- The ETC Super 366 glass package includes a 7/8-inch IGU, Super Spacer System, Argon gas fill and Lo?³-366 glass.
- The Simonton ETC Super Solar SBP glass package for StormBreaker Plus windows includes a one-inch IGU, Super Spacer® System, Argon gas fill and Low E glass on one surface with impact-resistant glass.
- The Simonton ETC Super 366 SBP glass package for StormBreaker Plus windows includes a one-inch IGU, Super Spacer System, Argon gas fill and Lo?³-366 glass on one surface with impact-resistant glass.
Additional qualifying glass packages are continually being added to Simonton product lines. A current listing of energy-efficient Simonton replacement and impact-resistant products that qualify for the energy tax credit is available at www.simonton.com/taxcredit.
Style with Energy Savings
The Energy Savings Makeover project may also feature interior stylizing options in the new DecorumTM by Simonton collection. The project homeowners receiving the makeover will have the option to choose from a variety of rich, durable and scratch-resistant woodgrain laminates and popular hardware finishes on their energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows.
Classy interior styling options include Antique Cherry, Maple, Contemporary Oak and Pure White. Decorum by Simonton grid options include Antique Cherry, Maple, Contemporary Oak, Two-Tone Driftwood and Two-Tone Tan. To accent the windows, custom interior hardware finishes are available in Brushed Nickel, Dark Bronze, Oil-Rubbed Bronze and Polished Brass.
"The replacement windows used in this project will be energy efficient, easy to maintain and decorative for the home," says Joshua Wagner, associate product manager for Simonton Windows®. "This is a versatile line of products that can literally be ‘mixed and matched' to complement a variety of home décor, from contemporary to classical to traditional."
Wagner noted that Decorum by Simonton would provide the project homeowners with a wide variety of options to match hardware finishes with interior lighting, faucets, cabinet handles and other metal accent features throughout the home.
Simonton Windows has created the www.simonton.com/taxcredit web site for homeowners, providing more details on the energy tax credit. This unique online resource has a full listing of Simonton windows that qualify for the tax credit, a question-and-answer section, case studies on energy efficient windows and links to sites with additional information. Homeowners may also order product literature from the site and find a distributor or dealer within their zip code area.
Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton ranked "Highest in Builder and Remodeler Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction StudySM. The company was ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards from Market Research Associates.
Founded in 1946, Simonton's hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in five days or less. Part of the home and hardware division of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton delivers nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States.
Simonton is a founding sponsor of The Weather Museum and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686).
PHOTOGRAPHY: Media members may visit "media.simonton.com" (use password "media") for access to hundreds of high resolution images.
Simonton Windows received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates/McGraw-Hill Construction 2008 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 2,837 new-home builders and remodelers. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of new home builders and remodelers surveyed in May through June 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
ENERGY STAR is a government program that helps consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency and is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information please contact:
Kathy Ziprik PR Representative
Simonton Windows
828-890-8065
Kathy_ziprik@simonton.com
www.simonton.com
