Regarding home design, windows have historically played an important role in balancing the benefits of natural light and ventilation and the disadvantages of cold drafts. Traditional homes’ energy use was minimized due to the design and setting of homes built in and related heavily to their environment. Trees were planted around homes to buffer cold winds or create natural shade in the summer sun. With the invention of the heating and cooling system in the 1950s and 60s (and its relatively inexpensive energy), homes had no concerns about energy efficiency. It was not until the energy crisis in the 1970s that created a new generation focused on manufacturing and construction home’s energy needs.
Today, Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement focuses on a new standard of energy-efficient processes, products, and technology. With this new focus, we become the solution to help solve our environmental and energy challenges with a product that withstands the test of time.
Whole-Window Performance
Other companies tout individual features of their window components when discussing energy efficiency. Renewal by Andersen focuses on the bigger picture—the whole-window performance. From the Fibrex technology in our frames to our low-E coated glass to our installation process, we believe in our outstanding whole-window performance. When you choose Renewal by Andersen window replacement, you choose comfort with low-maintenance and energy-efficient windows.
Framing Material—Makes a Difference
For over 100 years, Renewal by Andersen’s parent company, Andersen Corporation, patented and introduced Fibrex material. A combination material between wood fibers and polymer that combines the strength and stability of wood and the low-maintenance benefits of vinyl. Unlike aluminum framing, which conducts both heat and cold and pits and corrodes, Fibrex has excellent insulating properties on par with wood, vinyl, or fiberglass. Fibrex material is also durable and reliable; it expands and contracts very little. Windows made with Andersen’s Fibrex material will perform better in winter and summer than windows made of vinyl.
Glass—There’s More Than Meets the Eye
At first glance, all glass looks the same, but not all glass performs the same. Renewal by Andersen offers four different glass options:
- High-Performance Low-E4® glass
- High-Performance Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass
- High-Performance Low-E4® SmartSun™ Glass with HeatLock® Technology
- High-Performance Low-E4® Sunglass
Each one of our glass options incorporates a special low-emissivity (or “low-E”) coating that defines the performance and aesthetic characteristics of that offering. These coatings are considered spectrally selective—meaning that they allow visible light portions of the solar spectrum to pass while blocking amounts of solar radiant energy. Making the heat stay in your home in winter, and heat is reflected away in the summer.
Our high-performance Low-E4® glass is our standard offering glass option for our windows. High-performance Low-E4 glass is 45% more energy efficient in winter and 56% more efficient in summer (compared to ordinary dual-pane glass). Making Renewal by Andersen Windows cut your energy bills by 25%.
Spacer
Unlike other manufacturers that use aluminum spacers, Renewal by Andersen uses a low-conductive spacer comprising stainless steel that resists heat transfer better. Our stainless steel uses less material while maintaining the stability of glass, resulting in a thinner spacer wall conducting less energy. Other manufacturers even use plastic for their spacer, which over time causes seal failure. When heated by the sun, plastic spacers also emit gas, which can cause a chemical fog between the two panes of glass, affecting the visibility of the window.
Installation—Completes the Picture
For our windows to be long-lasting and energy efficient, they must be properly installed and fit properly in the opening. As part of our Signature Service, Renewal by Andersen replacement windows are installed by professional Renewal by Andersen installers. Improper installation can occur and directly correlate to a window’s energy efficiency if an installer cuts flashing incorrectly, applies the incorrect sealant, or fails to insulate between the window and the rough opening. Careless handling during installation or transit jeopardizes the glasses’ ability to adhere to the frame.
This is why at Renewal by Andersen of Janesville we take our entire process. Our certified master installers are trained and certified in construction material, building codes, and installation methods. Only the best people make the cut; we are proud to put our name in their hands.
