Window and door energy ratings are not totally understood by consumers, but they are critical to making a sound choice when considering which product to install.  Let's face it, the average person may replace windows one time in their life and it is a lot to learn.

The National Fenestration Rating Council is actively making the process easier by educating consumers through brochures and a new website with "down to earth" language and in ways that everyone can understand.

The program is not new, but it is being pushed a lot more since it was developed in 2009.  Understading the label and the various test results will help homeowner's make well informed decisions when investing in new windows and doors.



A = U-Factor (also referred to as U-Value) measures the amount of heat that escapes through the product.

B = Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how well a product blocks heat caused by sunlight. C = Visible Transmittance (VT) measures how much light comes through a product. D = Air Leakage (AL) is indicated by an air leakage rating, expressed as the equivalent cubic feet of air passing through a square foot of window area. E = Condensation Resistance (CR) measures the ability of a product to resist the formation of condensation on the interior surface of that product.

Visible Transmittance is a required property on the NFRC Label located on any energy efficient replacement window.

VT is an optical property that indicates the amount of visible light transimitted.  VT is a whole window rating and includes the impact of the frame which does not transmit any visibile light.  While VT thoretically varies between 0 and 1, most values are between 0.3 and 0.7.  The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted.

Home Visions Inc. has friendly and trained individuals that can come out and answer all of your questions about windows.  Give us a call or schedule online today!

Extruded vinyl windows are predominately used for replacement of old windows and are custom built to fit existing openings.  There are hundreds of manufacturers and fabricators of vinyl windows and their quality, features and price vary widely.

Vinyl is a strong, well insulated material, ideal for constructing a window.  It never requires painting or refinishing like wood and does not corrode or attract condensation like aluminum.  It should have a smooth polished finish that will be easy to clean.

The method of constuction of a vinyl window frame is very important.  Better vinyl windows have fusion welded corners.  The fusion welding process unites the four frame pieces into a single piece, eliminating air and water infiltration and unsightly joints.  The best way to determine how strong a weld is, is to look at a cross section of frame extrusion.  The more surface area fused the stronger the weld will be.  Vinyl windows which have multiple chamber channels will have far more surface area than those that do not.

The quality of vinyl should also be considered.  Cheaper vinyl can contain regrind or recycled vinyl and may contain fillers that reduce the overall strength and durability of the window.  This is particularly critical in brown or bronze vinyl windows that absorb heat more readily and can be susceptible to sagging and warping.


4412 Powder Mill Road Suite 200
Beltsville, MD 20705

301.937.4663

News Release
Contact: Eric L. Gans
eric@homevisionsinc.com
301-937-4663

                   Beltsville, MD – Home Visions Inc., a local leader in the sale of top-quality replacement windows and patio doors, now offers Asure™ windows and doors by Simonton Windows^®. Available in Double Hung, Picture, Slider, Half-round and other popular styles, Asure windows are solidly constructed and custom-made for the needs of an individual homeowner.

“The new Asure product line offers a variety of the features homeowners request most in their replacement windows,” says Josh Spence, Project Manager, Home Visions Inc. of Beltsville. “These durable vinyl windows provide a large viewing area, allowing more natural daylight into the home. This permits homeowners to connect more with nature and ‘bring the outdoors inside’ their homes.”

Featuring a stepped sill design, Asure windows are built to resist water and air infiltration while providing increased thermal performance for homeowners in the DC, Northern VA and MD area. The patented Lap-Lok^® Meeting Rail and fin seal weatherstripping help ensure a tight seal against wind and rain. The sill “chambers” are uniquely constructed for added strength and durability, providing peace-of-mind to homeowners investing in these replacement windows.

“From the exterior, Asure windows complement a home’s design,” says Spence. “The appealing frame face of the window provides enhanced curb appeal and an attractive architectural ‘finished’ look to the home. Clean corner welds and a smooth exterior construction complete the exterior styling of these impressive windows.”

On the interior of the home, the affordable Asure windows incorporate a constant force balance system, requiring minimal lift effort to operate the sash. Backed by a Double-Lifetime Limited Warranty, the constant force balance has tested to 4,000 cycles and meets ASTM and AAMA Gold standards. Asure can also be ordered to meet ENERGY STAR^® criteria in all areas of the country.

For more details on the Asure product line and other Simonton products available from Home Visions Inc., visit www.homevisionsinc.com or call 301-937-4663. For additional information about Simonton Windows, visit www.simonton.com.

Check out these beautiful Provia Entry Door systems recently installed for a Home Visions Inc. customer in Prince George's County, Maryland. 
Contact us today for all of your entry door and patio door needs.  We have many colors, styles, frame and slab materials, accessories and price ranges to choose from.  If there is a door that you need - Home Visions Inc. can help!

Visit our entry door page for more information and specials...
Visit our patio door page for more information and specials...
Visit past door blog posts for more information about door options and features.

R-Value - A measure of thermal performance expressed as resistance to heat loss.  The R-value is determined by taking the recipriocal of the U-value.  The higher the R-value the better.

U-Value - A mesure of thermal performance expressed as the rate of heat loss.  The U-value is determied by measuring the amount of heat lost through a material, over the time period of one hour, when the difference of temperature between the warmer and colder sides is one degree.  The lower the U-value the better.  The unit of measurement is particularly useful when determining the overall thermal performance of and insulated glass unit.

To learn more about replacement windows please visit www.homevisionsinc.com or to learn more about the National Fenestration Rating Council, click here.

What is AAMA?

The American Architectural Manufactures Association (AAMA) is a trade association of firms engaged in the manufacture and sale of building fenestration components and related products.  Tracing its origins back over 60 years, AAMA is active in its role as the “Technical Information Center” for industry’s products such as windows, glass doors, storm windows and related fenestration products.

How are windows tested for structural performance?

AAMA is a third party certification agency with whom manufacturers must certify structural performance for all its products. Recently, AAMA and the NWWDA (National Wood Window & Door Association) have worked together and approved a new combined test specification called AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97. It allows vinyl, aluminum and wood products to be tested to the same criteria so consumers can compare products more uniformly and accurately.

Do all windows participate with AAMA programs and testing?

No.  Due to the very tough guidelines and increased costs, not all window manufacturers participate in the AAMA testing program.

Does Home Visions carry windows that are AAMA certified?

Yes.  Home Visions Inc. is proud to offer Simonton Windows as one of our preferred window solutions.  All Simonton windows carry the gold AAMA label which is the highest level of certification a product can receive.

                                             

Home Visions Inc. is proud to offer Simonton Windows.  With a vinyl extrusion plant, vinyl welding plant, a window fabrication location and a dedicated product development center - all located in West Virginia, USA - this replacement window manufacturer knows how to deliver a high quality, error free product each and every time and their recognition proves it!

For two years in a row, Simonton Windows ranks "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Patio Doors," according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study.  The study measures consumer perceptions of their experience in six factors (in order of importance): Ordering and Delivery; Operational Performance and Durability; Price Paid for Products and Services Received; Appearance and Design Features; Warranty; and Repair and Replacement.

The Simonton window packaged with the professional installers at HVI are a great combination to our ensure our customer's long term overall satisfaction with their investment.

Get an estimate from Home Visions Inc. in Maryland, Northern Virginia or Washington, DC today!

With cold weather approaching, now is the time to consider replacement windows.  The most important rating to consider when determining the ability of a window to keep warm air inside your home and cold air out is the U-Factor (NFRC Ratings Sample Label).  The way to understand U-Factor ratings is to consider the following facts.

In 2008, in order for a window to be considered Energy Star Rated, the U-Factor had to be equal to or less than a .40.  In 2009, tax credits on energy efficient windows were given if the window was equal to or less than .30 which was a huge change in the industry at the time.  This trend shows a few things.  For starters, it demonstrates that the lower the U-Factor the more energy efficient the window, particularly in the colder months.  The other thing this shows is that there is a strong movement towards higher performance windows by regulators and experts.

The newest agenda on the discussion card is the next generation of windows is circulating around R-5 windows.  R-Value is a method for measuring the insulating rating of any surface, more commonly walls and attics.  R-5 windows are achieved with a U-Factor of .22 or lower.

Window manufacturers are able to achieve R-5 rated windows mainly with heavier, more costly triple pane units.  Triple pane windows are not ideal in the Mid-Atlantic region.  The costs far outweigh the efficiency gains and in some cases actually create a negative effect by blocking too much sunlight in the winter.

Fortunately, Home Visions Inc. has the perfect R-5 double pane window for the customer that is looking to outpace the trends.  Through  strong partnership with Vytex Windows based in Laurel, Md (Howard County) we are able to offer a state of the art window that is guaranteed to meet government standards for years to come at a price that is not much higher than our standard double hung packages (U-Factor of .26).  Call today 866.616.7864 or visit our website for more information.  www.homevisionsinc.com

Home Visions Inc. recently installed a patio door with internal blinds manufactured by Vytex Windows which is located in Howard County Maryland (Laurel).  Vytex Windows proudly boasts the distinguished award of being one of the Nation's top window manufacturers.  There are over 4000 window manufacturers in the U.S.  Internal blinds are guranteed along with the frame, hardware and workmanship.