R-5 Window? What the heck is that?
Let's start with the bottom line.
Atrium's R-5 Window is the "SUPER"
Energy Star Window
50% more energy
efficient than Energy Star
R-Value versus U-Factor
The fine print - you can skip this section
If you have been shopping for energy-efficient windows or
doors surely you've heard some unfamiliar terms — such as
U-Factor and SHGC. They are important terms, but I will
try to give you some simple answers and explain why you want
the new Atrium R-5 Window for your home.
Insulation is usually rated in R-Value: The
higher the value the better the insulating
Windows are usually rated in U-Factor: The lower the factor
the better the insulating
To find a U-Factor, divide the number ‘1’
by the R-Value.
For example:
an R-Value of ‘4’ is equal to a U-Factor of .25
an R-Value of '5' is equal to a U-Factor of .20
Energy Star Windows
Yesterday's Technology
Until recently, the highest efficiency
windows on the market, Energy Star, offered a U-Factor of only
.30 - that's an R-3.3 window.
R-5 Windows
Tomorrows Technology TODAY
Going to R-5 - meaning a U-Factor of .20 -
is a 50 percent increase in energy efficiency over that Energy
Star R-3.3 window.
With energy prices rising every year
- a window like this could be considered a investment - saving
you more and more money every year.
How do they do that?
And what will they cost me?
Atrium
R-5 Windows are fabricated with triple glazed insulated
glass units filled with Argon Gas and utilize the SuperSpacer
technology.
These windows cost roughly 35% more than Energy Star windows.
And they come with a lifetime warranty - including parts and
labor.
Still not convinced?
Let's do some math:
Let's say your energy bills are
1800.00/year
You install "Standard Building Code
Windows" @ U-Factor .35 = aprx 15% energy savings
Windows $1500.00
Savings $
270.00/year = windows are amortized in 5.5 years
You install "Energy Star Windows"
@ U-Factor .30 = aprx 17% energy savings
Windows $1650.00
Savings $
306.00/year = windows are amortized in 5.4 years
You install "Atrium R-5 Windows"
@ U-Factor .20 = aprx 25% energy savings
Windows $2225.00
Savings $ 450.00/year =
windows are amortized in 4.9 years
Please Note: The size of your home,
thermostat settings, geography (huge west facing windows -
lots of trees), the number of windows, the type of window
being replaced, the age of the original install, etc. play
HUGE in the energy savings a homeowner will experience. It is
our experience
that the energy savings for a homeowner in our area replacing
single glazed
wood or aluminum windows with new building code windows will
save aprx 15% on their energy bills.
What about tax credits
and rebates?
Federal Tax Credits of up to $500 are available
for units with U=Factors of .30 or less.
The Energy Trust of Oregon has rebates** of $3.50 per square
ft for units with U-Factors of .22 or less.
**Talk to your sales representative about
all the fine details.
The U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) R-5 Windows Volume Purchase Program
More fine print - no worries - Superior Windows
& Doors handles everything
The extremely high insulation properties in
R-5 windows come at a higher cost. The goal of the U.S.
government's volume purchase program is to help reduce the
cost through economies of scale. This DOE program coordinates
volume R-5 window purchases among interested consumers and
manufacturers. For more information go to:
http://www.windowsvolumepurchase.org
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