I am glad to see news like this in the national press. The Washington Post reports that the FTC is coming down on home improvement companies that make exaggerated claims. The companies sited claim you will see a 50% savings on your energy bills this year — some even “guaranteed” the savings.

This kind of advertising hurts the industry and insults the American consumer. Why?

Well, first of all, claims that you will save, say, 50% on your energy bills this year over last year cannot be proven—there is no way that you can demonstrate that replacement windows can actually save you a specific percentage in your energy bills. There are just too many variables.

If you look at the fine print, you will see that the burden of proof rests on you, the homeowner, because you would have to supply bills as well as usage stats. Frankly, that’s hard for the homeowner to do because there are so many factors to consider.

Each home is going to be different— its location, its size, the number of residents at any given time, the insulation package, any existing windows—these are just some of the variables that will ultimately determine the savings a homeowner can truly realize.

And then there’s the temperature differentials! Just think about it — last winter, 2011, compared to this winter. Last year was unseasonably cold and in 2012 we’re experiencing one of the warmest winters on the continent in a decade. How can a homeowner start to account for the energy savings? Is it because of the windows? Or the mild weather?

That’s why Andersen replacement windows, Renewal by Andersen, and Mr. Rogers Windows have subscribed to a policy of integrity in advertising and integrity in pricing. The windows we carry are tested by Energy Star and certified by Energy Star – that means they have been proven to save you a minimum of 15% on your heating and cooling bills.

Andersen’s advanced technology and long standing research and development (since 1903) have allowed them to claim a 25% savings on heating and cooling costs. This is neither unrealistic or exaggerated, given the rigorous standards to which they adhere and the advancements they have achieved in the window industry.

So it comes down to a quality product plus substantiated and well-documented testing by an independent source, like the government’s Energy Star program and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). In fact, the FTC’s suggestion that consumers look for the NFRC label when shopping for windows is a good one, or check their website, because the NFRC oversees the Energy Star program, and their ratings are the one to trust.

The numbers you find on the NFRC label will tell you what you need to know as a consumer, and the Energy Star label is your guarantee that the window has been tested and certified! Remember also that your new replacement windows should be sold, installed, supported and serviced by a company that subscribes to integrity in installation practices, pricing and advertising.

But what about the quality of the air inside your home?

You may not have any health symptoms now, but chances are you need to eliminate, reduce or control your exposure to indoor air pollutants.

For example, if you have damp or wet spots in your house, you will probably get mold, a big contributor. And then there are chemicals emitted from household cleaners, paints, carpet, vinyl shower curtains and window blinds, tobacco, etc…the list goes on. Some of these are more hazardous than others, and some people are more sensitive to the affects of these.

Building materials like insulation, vinyl window frames, cabinets, and furniture made from certain pressed wood products, release chemicals in the form of gasses that get trapped into your home—and lungs—as well.

Ok, so what do you do? Everything you can; eliminate, control or reduce the sources of pollutants. Medline, an online service of the National Institutes of Health has great information on the prevention and screening of indoor air pollution.

If you’re remodeling job includes replacement windows, French doors, or sliding glass patio doors, you can be assured to know that Andersen doors and Renewal by Andersen bay, bow, casement, picture, awning and traditional double hung windows can contribute to a healthier living environment for you and your family.

Find out more about Andersen’s indoor air quality certification.

Andersen and Renewal by Andersen FIBREX windows and patio doors are the only brands to receive independent certification for the highest levels of indoor air quality. And I’m talking about the strictest indoor air emissions criteria. The most stringent standard that’s in place for use in elementary schools…in California.

So if you’re concerned about the quality of air inside your home, you’ll want to consider Andersen doors and windows for your next home improvement project.

Mr. Rogers' replacement windows are certified sustainable and made from recycled materials.

“Going green” is the big thing in business these days. You probably see a lot of products with labels like ”all natural” or “green.” If you’re skeptical of those claims, you’re smart. A lot of all natural foods, for example, are still heavily processed and contain ingredients unhealthy for us.

That’s what makes Andersen Window’s recent move to have their environmental claims certified  by a leading, independent organization all the more amazing. Andersen’s products and manufacturing have been tested, and the recycling claims have been certified under internationally recognized standards.

Some of Andersen’s products, like the Renewal by Andersen Fibrex replacement windows we offer at Mr. Rogers Windows, are made with 22-24% recycled material! Even the Andersen French patio doors and Sliding patio doors we offer are certified for recycled content.

You can read the full story here.

Sustainable Replacement Windows in Hampton Roads, VA and Charlotte, NC

And now you can get SmartSun glass on your Renewal by Andersen windows for free. Whether you replace just one window or the whole house, I’ll include SmartSun glass on all of them at no charge. And when you buy 9, I’ll give you the 10th window absolutely free. What’s more, I’ve got finance options that can bring your payments surprisingly low. In fact, the money you’ll save on your utility bills might just completely offset the monthly cost of your new windows.

I’m really excited to bring you this offer. Find out how to get your free upgrade to SmartSun glass right here, and let me know what you think.
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