How do vinyl windows compare with other types of windows such as wood and aluminum? How can I determine the energy efficiency and durability of Stanley Pro-Fit Windows or any other window? How does a window qualify for ENERGY STAR compliance? What is insulated glass and how does it compare to single pane windows? What is LoE² glass and how does it work? What is condensation and what causes it? How do I care for and maintain my new Stanley Pro-Fit windows? How can I find out more about Stanley Pro-Fit windows? Where can I buy Stanley Pro-Fit windows? How do I become a Stanley Pro-Fit windows dealer/distributor? Q:  How do vinyl windows compare with other types of windows such as wood and aluminum? A:  Vinyl performs very well when compared to other window materials. Vinyl windows have become the best selling type of window in the United States because of their unique combination of energy efficiency, low maintenance, aesthetic appeal and durability that other window materials do not offer. Vinyl windows are also a tremendous value as they are often more economical than other window materials while providing equal or better performance. << back to top Q:  How can I determine the energy efficiency and durability of Stanley Pro-Fit Windows or any other window? A:  Stanley voluntarily submits all of our windows and patio doors to an independent, certified testing facility where they are subject to the strict requirements of nationally recognized performance standards. Thermal performance, or the energy efficiency of a window is tested to the NRFC (National Fenestration Rating Council) 100 specification. This test procedure provides the following information: U-factor: This is a measure of heat loss. A lower U-factor means that you'll stay warmer in the winter and spend less heating your home. SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient): Once again, the lower the better. A lower SHGC will help keep your house cooler in the summer while reducing cooling costs. VT (Visible Transmittance): The higher the visible transmittance, the more daylight is transmitted. A high VT is desirable to maximize the amount of daylight entering a home. AAMA, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, has defined performance requirements for: Structural ability to withstand wind and other dynamic pressures. This is rated in design pressure (DP). The higher a product's design pressure rating, the greater the amount of wind or dynamic pressure the window will withstand. Resistance to air infiltration. Products are tested at an equivalent of a 25 mph wind. The lower the air infiltration rating, the better. Resistance to water leakage. This tests a window's ability to resist water leakage through the window frame, sashes, joints, weatherstripping, etc. No leakage is permitted under this test criteria. Forced entry resistance. A certified lab technician uses readily available tools such as a screwdriver, putty knife, coat hanger, etc. in an attempt to break into a home through the window. Next, windows and doors are subjected to hundreds of pounds of force to try to simultaneously lift or push them open while in the locked position. This is a pass/fail test. << back to top Q:  How does a window qualify for ENERGY STAR compliance? A:  The United States Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have developed the ENERGY STAR program to help consumers identify products that save energy. An average household spends over 40% of its annual budget on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY STAR qualified windows can save up to 15% of your total energy bill. Under the ENERGY STAR program the country is broken down into three climate zones: Northern Climate Zone - Energy bills are mostly associated with heating costs. Central Climate Zone - Energy bills are for both heating and cooling costs. Southern Climate Zone - Energy bills are mostly associated with cooling costs. Minimum requirements for ENERGY STAR are: U-Factor* SHGC** Northern - 0.35 Any Central - 0.40 0.55 Southern - 0.75 0.40 * U-factor: This is a measure of heat loss. A lower U-factor means that you'll stay warmer in the winter and spend less heating your home. ** SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient): Once again, the lower the better. A lower SHGC will help keep your house cooler in the summer while reducing cooling costs. << back to top Q:  What is insulated glass and how does it compare to single pane windows? A:  Insulated glass consists of two pieces of glass sealed to a spacer. This creates an insulating air space between the two pieces of glass, resulting in better thermal performance. A lite of insulating glass is approximately twice as energy efficient as a single pane of glass, helping to keep your home more comfortable while reducing heating and cooling costs. << back to top Q:  What is LoE² glass and how does it work? A:  LoE² (low emissivity) glass is coated with two thin, transparent metallic layers which selectively filter solar energy. These coatings reflect infrared energy away from the window in the summer, helping to keep your home cooler. In the winter, LoE² glass reflects heat energy back into your home, helping to keep it warmer. << back to top Q:  What is condensation and what causes it? A:  Under certain conditions, condensation, or sweating, can form on windows and obscure your view. This is the result of high humidity levels, or excess water vapor in the air, coming into contact with the cooler glass surface of a window and forming visible droplets. No window is immune to condensation although the energy efficient features of Stanley Pro-Fit windows keep the glass surface warmer, helping to reduce condensation. Here are some other suggestions to help control humidity in your home: Open windows frequently to "air-out" your home. Use a dehumidifier to help control excess humidty/water vapor. Use venting fans in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry to help vent moist air to the outside. << back to top Q:  How do I care for and maintain my new Stanley Pro-Fit windows? A:  Stanley Pro-Fit vinyl windows require very little maintenance. Vinyl will not pit, peel, flake or corrode and never needs painting. Washing your windows with a soft cloth and mild detergent will maintain their beautiful appearance for years to come. Do not use strong, harsh detergents or solvents as these could damage the finish and/or appearance of the windows. << back to top Q:  How can I find out more about Stanley Pro-Fit windows ? A:  To get more information, or product literature, simply Click Here to contact us, or call 1-888-295-7187. << back to top Q:  Where can I buy Stanley Pro-Fit windows? A:  To find a dealer in your area, try our Dealer Locator. << back to top Q:  How do I become a Stanley Pro-Fit windows dealer/distributor? A:  Simply Click Here to contact us, or call 1-888-295-7187. << back to top   Call Toll Free: 888.295.7187 Site created by Success Communications Group © 2008 Stanley Windows