Energy Efficiency: Homeowners Sound Off Against Inefficiencies
JELD-WEN survey shows leaky, cold windows and doors are a few of homeowners’ least favorite things

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. September 06, 2007 — Homeowners everywhere are giving inefficient windows and doors the cold shoulder. 

That’s according to the Perfect Home Survey, a recent study commissioned by JELD-WEN, the world’s leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors. Survey results show that 26 percent of homeowners say what they dislike most about their existing windows and doors is that they are drafty and inefficient. As the cold months rapidly approach, these inefficiencies can quickly turn into rising utility bills.

“Nearly one quarter of all homeowners believe their windows and doors are inefficient. This is a major issue,” said Brian Hedlund, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN. “That represents millions of dollars worth of wasted energy and environmental resources that relatively simple upgrades could solve. Fall is the perfect time to replace windows and doors, before utility costs peak this winter.”

To select more efficient windows and doors that will maximize comfort and savings year round, JELD-WEN offers the following tips:

1. Glass matters.
Choosing windows with Low-E glass is an important step in making a room more energy efficient because the special coating helps reflect some of the interior heat back into the home and keep cold air out. Go with a manufacturer that doesn’t charge an upgrade for Low-E glass, which comes standard in most JELD-WEN® windows. JELD-WEN also offers a new upgrade to even higher-performing Low-E 366 glass that provides increased heat retention in winter and greater energy savings. Insulated doubled-paned windows also greatly enhance energy efficiency as compared to single-paned windows.

Homeowners should know how to evaluate a window’s energy efficiency ratings and standards so they can select windows that are efficient all year long, to help save year-round. 

“The easiest way to select efficient windows is to look for the ENERGY STAR label,” said Hedlund. “Efficiency ratings are based in part on the U-factor, which is the amount of heat escaping the home through that product. The lower the U-factor, the more efficient the product.”

Efficiency also is measured by Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which indicates the ability to block heat generated by sunlight. The lower the SHGC, the more heat is blocked. Finally, experts evaluate Visible Light Transmission, which is the percentage of sunlight that penetrates a window or door. Higher percentages mean more light will enter through the glass.

“Whether homeowners prefer wood or vinyl windows, JELD-WEN offers many windows that meet ENERGY STAR qualifications and exceed the minimum energy efficiency criteria for specific climate regions, sometimes by as much as 40 percent. ENERGY STAR estimates homeowners can save as much as $125-$450 per year by upgrading to qualified products,” said Hedlund. “Vinyl windows have become extremely popular in recent years because of their low maintenance and energy efficient features.”

For homeowners who prefer wood windows, new JELD-WEN® Premium Wood Double-Hung Pocket Windows come standard with Low-E glass. These windows are designed for installation into existing window frames, making the remodel process quick, simple and less damaging to a home’s structure.

2. Start at the front.
A home’s front door can play a vital role as one of the first lines of defense against the elements. If a door does not close properly or lets in a draft, a homeowner can pay the price with higher utility bills.

“Homeowners should check the weather-stripping and gaps around the door that can let heat out,” said John Monfore, product  marketing manager for JELD-WEN. “If these things cannot be easily fixed, it may be time to replace the door.”

When choosing a front door, pick materials that won’t swell, decay or warp in extreme conditions. Cold weather months bring moisture that can damage unprotected wood doors. JELD-WEN AuraLast the worry-free wood® protects to the core and carries industry-leading warranties against wood decay of 20 years on the doors and limited lifetime on the frame.

For the look and feel of wood with less maintenance, select
JELD-WEN® Custom Fiberglass Doors. Custom fiberglass doors are engineered to withstand the rigors of nearly any environment, are built with a dense energy efficient core and are virtually indistinguishable from wood.

3. Drive home efficiency.
The garage can easily be overlooked when it comes to energy efficiency, but it’s one of the largest entry points of the home. JELD-WEN’s wood fiber composite garage doors have a polystyrene core that insulates and helps prevent moisture absorption. Even in extreme cold temperatures, these garage doors won’t crack, sag, separate or shrink.

“Our survey found that the garage door is now the most frequently used exterior door when entering the home—even more reason to make sure this room is efficient. The temperature of a garage can greatly affect the overall temperature of the rest of the home,” said Monfore. “Garages are more susceptible to temperature fluctuations, given how frequently homeowners enter and leave through their garage doors. Having a proper-fitting garage door and an energy-efficient door connecting the garage to the interior provides the best protection.”

4. Energy efficiency pays off.
Energy efficient updates, including windows and doors, can qualify for up to $500 in federal tax credits if installed by Dec. 31, 2007.

Specifically, the tax credit for replacing exterior windows is 10 percent of the product cost, up to $200. The credit for exterior doors is 10 percent of the product cost, up to $500. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined is $500. To browse JELD-WEN windows and doors that meet ENERGY STAR qualifications and are eligible for the tax credit, visit www.jeld-wen.com.

About JELD-WEN
JELD-WEN, inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors. Based in Klamath Falls, Ore., JELD-WEN began as a small Oregon millwork plant in 1960 and has grown into a company with nearly 150 divisions and more than 20,000 employees worldwide. JELD-WEN is the official window, door and millwork provider of the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour, Proud Partner of THE PLAYERS and title sponsor of the JELD-WEN Tradition. Since 1998, JELD-WEN has been an ENERGY STAR® Partner with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Eleven JELD-WEN® product lines and all windows and doors constructed with AuraLast® wood have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. JELD-WEN® windows and doors have been honored by numerous consumer and industry publications. In 2005, JELD-WEN® Custom Fiberglass exterior doors received a Consumers Digest Best Buy rating.

For more information about the exceptional value and reliability of JELD-WEN products, or to find a dealer near you, please visit www.jeld-wen.com or call 800-877-9482.