Brand Names To Consider For Energy Star Windows
If you are looking for ways to improve your carbon footprint, that is, reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, you should look for products that carry the Energy Star mark. They are not only environment-friendly, they are also a significant factor in reducing the cost of cooling or heating your home. There are all sorts of everyday items in your house that do this, from doors to windows to computer monitors. Here are Energy Star windows and three of the companies that manufacture them.
1. Alco Windows
This company is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and offers an exclusive vinyl window series known as VEKA. Their products are German-engineered and you can choose from various new and replacement windows such as casements, bays, bows, double hung, and sliders. The replacement windows you can buy from them all have benefits which include an insulating glass system incorporated in the 100 percent insulated double-pane construction. They are also offering the Platinum Series Windows, for which you can qualify for federal tax credit of up to $1,500. If you want to get a free estimate from them, visit their Web site at www.alcowindows.com.
2. Champion Windows
If you are looking for custom-made replacement windows for your home, you should consider Champion Windows. Established in 1953, they offer free consultations and estimates at home, with no obligation whatsoever. All of their window products, which include casement, slider, picture, bay/bow/garden, and Colorbond Shaped windows, feature their exclusive Comfort 365 glass. This technology not only makes your home more energy efficient, it also protects your carpets, furniture, and drapes from fading because it blocks 95 percent of ultraviolet rays from entering a room. They have numerous showrooms all over the United States, and their Web site can be found at www.championwindow.com.
3. Vinyl Window Designs Ltd.
When it comes to sheer variety of window styles and colors, Vinyl Window Designs is one of the best. This Canada-based company offers three window series. Their vinyl windows are fully Energy Star-certified. In fact, they were designed as the 2006 EnergyStar Manufacturer of the Year. If you want information on the price of their windows, go to their Web site at www.vinylwindowdesigns.com to find a dealer or distributor who can help you with your concerns and inquiries.
4. Okna
Meeting Energy Star requirements is good enough by itself, but Okna goes one step further by outperforming Energy Star certification standards. Their collections of windows, including the Precision Weld 400 Series of picture, sliding, and double-hung windows as well as their 500 Series Insul-Tec slider, picture, and double-hung windows all are guaranteed to be excellent in energy efficiency. The company also offers the 505 Series single-hung replacement windows, 600 Series casement windows, 650 Series Awning, and the 800 Series high-end replacement windows. More information is available at www.oknawindows.com.
5. Joyce Windows
Joyce Windows is a USA-based producer of Energy Star-certified vinyl replacement windows and patio doors. You can choose from among double-hung windows, sliders, and casements from their Insulator and Thermal-Weld lines. They also have specialty offerings in the form of bay and bow windows, garden windows, and specially-shaped windows -- which are custom-made. You can find out more at www.joycewindows.com.
There are hundreds more companies that manufacture and sell windows that meet the standards of the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency. So do not worry about finding green, eco-friendly windows that would fit in with your home's appearance, since there is a plethora of options from which to choose.
Keep in mind, though, that at present there are no storm windows that are Energy Star certified in the United States. This is because the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), which administers the test and certification for doors, windows, and skylights, have not yet developed a system for storm doors or storm windows. Consult your contractor or supplier for assistance in selecting the right storm windows for you if you need them.
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