October is energy efficiency month – a timely opportunity to review what’s new when it comes to energy-saving technology.
This year, the building industry is abuzz with the latest generation of energy-efficient products that do much more than save kilowatts – they offer greater protection against climate extremes as well.  

 

Companies such as JELD-WEN, the world’s leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors, are now offering products that provide maximum energy savings and help protect against the damaging effects of winter weather. That’s important, experts say, because cold, wet months can take their toll on energy bills, while extreme weather conditions can cost homeowners money when it comes to wear and tear.
Doors and windows without adequate protection from the elements not only contribute significantly to energy loss, but also cause moisture damage, which may lead to expensive repairs.
“Now is the time to evaluate the energy efficiency of your windows and doors for the coming months and consider how to protect your home for the long term,” said Joyce Richter, communications manager for JELD-WEN windows.
“To achieve maximum energy savings, homeowners should understand the important ratings used by the building industry and know what materials will work best in their environments.”
Understanding Energy-Efficient Options for Windows and Doors
Look for Low-E glass
As an ENERGY STAR partner since 1998, JELD-WEN offers a number of energy-efficient options for homeowners. Chief among them is Low-E glass for windows and doors. Low-E, or low emissivity, refers to a transparent metallic coating applied to one surface of insulating glass. In the winter, Low-E reflects some of the interior heat back into the home. In summer, Low-E glass reduces the amount of the sun's heat from entering the home, lowering cooling needs. Low-E glass comes standard in some JELD-WEN products.
Understand U-Factor ratings.
Window and door energy efficiency is determined by U-Factor, which denotes the amount of heat flowing through a product. The lower the U-Factor number, the more energy efficient the product is. This rating appears on standardized labels applied to window products.
Select ENERGY STAR-qualified products.
The easiest way to determine whether or not windows and doors meet the highest energy-efficiency standards is to look for the ENERGY STAR label.
“Research shows that homeowners who replace single-pane glass windows with ENERGY STAR-qualified products can save $125 to $340 on energy costs annually,” Richter said.
Planning for Long-Term Protection
JELD-WEN offers windows, entry and patio doors that also protect against one of the most damaging effects of winter weather – moisture. Traditionally, when it comes to extreme weather protection, wood hasn’t been thought of as the best option, but more homeowners are rediscovering its benefits. That’s because for high style and endless customization options, no other building material can match real wood. Thanks to a new proprietary treatment process from JELD-WEN, real wood now comes without the worry.
JELD-WEN windows, entry and patio doors made with AuraLast™ wood offer superior protection against moisture absorption and are backed by an industry leading 20-year warranty against decay and termite infestation. AuraLast wood windows and doors give homeowners great peace of mind knowing that the entries to their home will withstand nearly anything that Mother Nature can dish out.
AuraLast wood windows, entry and patio doors are just one example of the many high-performance materials now available to homeowners. To determine what might work best for your environment, JELD-WEN offers this advice:
Consider material choices.
Beyond AuraLast wood, other materials that perform very well in extreme climate conditions include vinyl windows and fiberglass and steel doors. Top-quality exterior cladding for wood windows and patio doors adds another layer of protection against the elements.
Consider long-term value versus initial purchase price.
Beyond the initial purchase price of a product, consider long-term value. That’s what homeowners pay year after year to operate and maintain a product. Energy-efficient products offer measurable, annual savings. In addition, choosing products that will perform reliably can save thousands of dollars on replacement and repair expenses over time.
Pay attention to maintenance needs in your region.
Selecting windows and doors that offer maximum cost-saving benefits is a good start, yet even low-maintenance products must be installed and cared for properly. Be sure to review manufacturer’s specific instructions for the care and maintenance of windows and doors to help ensure products will perform reliably for years to come.

In 1960, JELD-WEN began as just a small Oregon millwork plant with 15 employees. During those early days, we established a culture based on inspired vision, thoughtful planning and diligent craftsmanship. This culture has helped us become a well respected company with over 150 divisions and more than 20,000 employees worldwide.

Operating in Latvia since 1994, JELD-WEN Latvia has earned a reputation within the industry for manufacturing quality doors. By using only the finest materials and milling each component to exact tolerances meeting strict construction standards, we create doors with long-lasting, dependable performance.