What You Need To Know When Replacing Windows (NAPSA)—Your home is a major investment and replacing outdated, inefficient windows can be an important step in protecting that investment. New windows can lower your heating and cooling bills, block harmful UV rays, reduce exterior noise and increase a home’s resale value. Replacement windows come in a variety of styles and materials, the most popular of which are steel, vinyl and wood. Besides deciding on the frame, it’s also important to consider the kind of insect-screening material that will be used. Daylighting Choosing the right kind of screening can help replace some of the light that may be lost when installing energy-efficient windows. The low-e glass used in many windowstoday helps to save energy but it does so by reducing the amount of light transmitted through windows. Standard screen material can dim light even further. One of the advantages of screening materials such as Phifer’s UltraVue is that they improve “daylighting” by providing 25 percent more optical clarity for a crisper, brighter outward view. Ventilation The second reason many experts prefer UltraVue Excellent Visibility Insect Screen is superior ventilation, because the 15 percent greater opennessprovides 25 percent better airflow. The screens are also infused with Microban antimicrobial pro- tection, helping to provide an additional level of cleanliness protection that won’t wash or wear away for the lifetime of the screen. Microban inhibits the growth of stain- and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew, and works continuously to keep screenscleanerfor longer. Standard Fiberglass Insect Screen UltraVue ExcellentVisibility Insect Screen The right screensallow betterair- flow, allowing light, fresh breezes to flow through and more optical clarity. The screens are Greenguard certified by the Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI) for superior indoor air-quality performance, and certified for meeting the more stringent GEI Children and Schools standards for commercial use. All products certified by GEI must passa series of rigorous emissions tests and undergo quarterly tests, as well as annual recertifica- tion to ensure their low emission status is maintained. The certification is a requirement reference in the Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design for Com- mercial Interiors Rating System. Look for manufacturers, such as Phifer, that offer UltraVue preinstalled in their windows. A professional contractor can help you choose windows and screens to fit your requirements and budget. For more information about the complete improved-visibility screening lines, including UltraVue and others such as BetterVue, please visit www.phifer.com.
