Suruey says.*. What homeowners want from their windows

For a second consecutive year, consumers interested in window replacement projects have cited energy efficiency as the top factor for motivating them to replace their windows and as the single most imponant quality of their windows, according to a new survey by Simonton Windows.

The importance of energy efficiency increased in the past year, with a greater percentage of consumers citing energy efficiency as the main reason motivating them to replace windows (727o in 2OOi versus 697o in 2006) and as the single most important quality of their windows (717o in 2007 versus 667o in2006).

"When asked how important it was to them that their windows were Energy Star rated, 88Vo of respondents answered either 'extremely important' or'important,"' said Chris Monroe, Simonston v.p. of marketing.

"That high rating shows us a strong awareness of the Energy Star program with consumers in conjunction with windows. It also shows that people are making a strong connection between energy efficiency issues and the products used in the construction and long-term care of their homes."

Energy efficiency was followed by maintenance-free with ll%o and security with 67o.

While choosing windows for the home can sometimes be a complicated process that requires research on the part of the homeowner regarding frame styles, glass options and warranties, a growing number of homeowners feel comfortable in their knowledge of windows. According to the survey, 72Vo of respondents said they know what they need to look for when choosing windows for the home,57o more than last year.

"Between the wide variety of home improvement television shows, radio programs, websites, magazines and literature, education on windows is at a very high level right now," Monroe said. "Especially with the constant interest in environmental and energy efficiency issues, it's not surprising to see a jump in awareness for homeowners in this area from one year to another."

Survey participants who live in coastal areas (2l%o\ can still use more knowledge on code and insurance issues related to impact-resistant windows. Only 87o of respondents were aware of code requirements for their geographical area, while 64Vo were not aware that some insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who have impact-resistant windows in their homes.

"Coastal homeowners need to be

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Visit our website: rmpw.anfrnson com especially vigilant about window education," Monroe said. "In some hardhit areas like Florida, installing impact-resistant windows may not just provide homeowners with a discount on their insurance, but it may be mandatory. In some cases the use of impact-resistant windows can help a homeowner retain their insurance."

According to both the 2006 and 2007 survey results, a majority of the respondents have no plans to replace their current windows (66Vo in 2001 compared to 68Vo in 2006). While