Crystal Window & Door Systems is one of a very select group of window manufacturers recently chosen to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) "Highly Insulating R-5 Window and Low-E Storm Window Volume Purchase Program." The DOE R-5 Window Program seeks to aggregate demand for leading edge, high-performance windows by matching qualified suppliers and qualified purchasers.
Of the thousands of window manufacturers in America, only about 50 with advanced products, including Crystal, submitted formal participation proposals with the DOE this spring. Crystal was one of the select 32 qualified manufacturers who met the DOE's rigorous standards for inclusion in the R-5 Window Program. An initial group of approximately 23 energy conscious high volume "customers" has also been designated.
The near-term goal of the DOE is that through this "jump-start" pilot program, slated to run until mid-2011, manufacturers will achieve needed volumes enabling them to reduce production costs for these ultra energy-efficient windows. Ultimately the objective is to substantively transform the window industry marketplace by making such advanced windows readily available at affordable prices.
"I am extremely proud that Crystal has been selected to participate in this prestigious national program," said Steve Chen, Crystal's executive vice president.
"Our investment in new production equipment, product testing and improving the energy efficiency of our windows has already enhanced Crystal's ability to sell quality energy efficient windows in New York, Chicago and throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, and now it has qualified us for this new opportunity."
Included in the DOE R-5 Window Program are select models from the company's popular Series 200 vinyl window line. Although normally used for replacement applications, Series 200 windows are suitable for new construction projects when ordered with optional nailing fins. These windows have many standard energy efficiency features, such as multi-chamber frame and sash insulation and warm-edge glass spacer technology plus optional upgrades including triple glazing, special high-end Low-E glass and gas-filled insulating glass units.
Windows qualifying for the R-5 Window Program achieve energy efficiency performance requirements of a U-value equal to or less than 0.20 for fixed windows and a U-value equal to or less than 0.22 for operable windows. U-value is the technical term commonly used in the fenestration industry to measure the transmittance of thermal energy through a window glass and frame system. A lower U-value indicates improved window energy efficiency. A U-value of 0.20 is equivalent to an R-5 insulating value.
The R-5 Window Program volume customers are expected to include home builders, contractors and remodelers, as well as schools, universities, enlightened corporations, government agencies, non-profits, motivated homeowners and other groups focused on energy efficiency, weatherization and green initiatives. For more information on the R-5 Window Program, visit the program website at www.WindowsVolumePurchase.org or the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) website at www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings. Tags: