W&D Weekly - August 20, 2008 | Vol 3, Num 34
(Print All Articles)
Industry Offers Feedback to Energy Star Changes
The Energy Star label for windows, doors and skylights needs to serve as a real “differentiator” in the market, according to Richard Karney, program manager for the Department of Energy. ...
Washington, D.C.—The Energy Star label for windows, doors and skylights needs to serve as a real “differentiator” in the market, according to Richard Karney, program manager for the Department of Energy. “Not all products will be Energy Star,” he also emphasized as he welcomed about 100 industry representatives and others in a forum on the proposed changes to the Energy Star program on Wednesday, August 13.
Designed to gather feedback, the most common response to the new criteria is that more time is needed to study the changes and that the official public comment period should be extended-something that DOE has since done. Manufacturers also urged greater consideration be given to simplification and affordability.
The daylong meeting began with a review of the new Energy Star requirements and the rationale behind them. Karney noted that although DOE initially considered a three-phase approach to tightening the criteria, it opted for two based on industry input. “It made sense not to overburden manufacturers by making them change production processes twice,” he said.
With the first set of criteria, set to go in effect August 2009 at the earliest, the goal is to meet or beat the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code without requiring major product redesign, he continued. “It’s in the second phase that we really want to beef up the program and give manufacturers some lead time to do it,” Karney added.
Stephen Bickel of D&R International, which administers the Energy Star program for DOE, suggested that the phase one criteria “should be able to be met with products that are already available or with an upgraded glass package.” The one exception, he noted, was in ES1—the southernmost Energy Star climate zone—where new U-factor requirements in the Energy Star criteria will match the more stringent U-factor requirements expected to be in the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. He predicted the first round of changes will produce a modest decline in Energy Star market share, except in the South.
The second round of Energy Star criteria changes are “much more stringent,” Bickel continued, noting it will be then that, “We reestablish Energy Star as a differentiator. There will be a price premium for Energy Star—and a decline in Energy Star market share. “The proposed criteria will require redesigned products in the two Northernmost zones and overall, he predicted, manufacturers will need to offer distinct product lines for the North and South. Pointing to some of the phase two U-factor criteria in the Northern zones, Bickel noted some windows—all triple-pane—already qualify. The use of triple-glazing adds about 15 percent to the marginal cost of these products, he added, which can be justified as far as the energy savings. He admitted that some manufacturers have already suggested the increased cost will be much more. “I’ve already heard it can’t be done,” but, he said D&R had also looked at real numbers coming from two manufacturers that produce triple pane units in volume that show the 15 percent marginal cost estimate to be about right.
Affordability, Simplicity and More Time
Ray Garries of Jeld-Wen Inc. questioned the wisdom of pushing Energy Star requirements to a level where triple glazing becomes a necessity. “We’ve made a tremendous investment in Energy Star product lines and want to continue,” he said. “Speaking for our customers, affordability is something we need to consider.” He questioned a number of the assumptions made in determining the new criteria, noting that his company estimates the payback for homeowners opting for products meeting the second round of Energy Star criteria to be a half to a quarter of what DOE expects. Pointing to DOE estimates that purchase of Energy Star products meeting the new criteria will produce $100 million in energy savings a year, Garries suggested that consumers will have to spend between $1 billion and $2 billion more to buy those products.
He also urged greater simplification of the program. Complications in maps and tradeoffs make it harder to upsell consumers on Energy Star, he suggested. He also urged DOE to reconsider establishing separate Energy Star criteria for new construction—where code generally sets minimum performance standards already—and for the replacement and remodeling market, where codes have less of an impact.
The most common piece of feedback that came back from industry representatives at the meeting was that more time is needed than the 30-day period initially scheduled to provide public comment. John Lewis, technical director of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, was the first of several speakers asking that DOE consider accepting public comment for 90 days, especially since the DOE draft came out only a week before the stakeholder meeting. DOE is itself waiting to see what the window criteria will be in the 2009 IECC, which will be finalized in September.
Although AAMA had not had enough time to develop official positions on the criteria, Lewis noted, its members expressed some initial concerns that the new climate zone map was too complex and that Energy Star products will be “priced out of the market” in phase two. Mike Fisher, representing the Window & Door Manufacturers Association, also asked for more time to offer input. He asked DOE to consider January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2015 as implementation dates for phase one and phase two of the changes. “Changing a window to change the thickness of the IG or allow for triples means a lot of testing. We should have five years between phase one and phase two.” He also expressed concerns about the complexity of the new criteria, urging DOE to consider “simplicity” for the sake of the consumer.
Not all window manufacturers were unhappy with the proposed criteria. “I feel like a minority in this room,” said Brandon Tinianov of Serious Materials. Noting that he appreciated the rigor that went into the development of the new numbers, he said he was frustrated by lack of enthusiasm for further progression in the market.
Nils Petermann of the Alliance to Save Energy and Efficient Windows Collaborative noted that his organization’s goal is to educate consumers, and that it has been fairly easy for windows as they have simply pointed to Energy Star. With the new criteria including trade-offs for U-factors vs. SHGCs, he said, that will get more complicated. He suggested DOE consider simple descriptors—moderate solar heat gain, high solar heat gain, low solar heat gain—that could be understood more easily by consumers.
New door and skylight standards
The afternoon of the meeting was devoted primarily to new door and skylight standards. Describing the new swing door criteria, Alice Dasek of D&R noted that the goal of phase one is to establish the idea of the Energy Star label as a differentiator. It is phase two, however, where DOE seeks to drive that further.
Door manufacturers seemed pleased by the new ratings criteria. Steve Shrieber of Masonite started out by “applauding DOE” for the decision to eliminate different climate zone requirements for swing doors and for simply establishing different requirements depending on the amount of glazing. He even urged DOE to consider a lower U-factor number for opaque doors in the first phase.
Steve Jasperson of Therma-Tru also applauded the single climate zone, but suggested that DOE may need to go back and look at the half-lite criteria. Under the current requirements, he noted, he can construct a fully-glazed door that will qualify, but the half-lite version of the same door will not, even though it constructed with more insulating core material and is more energy efficient.
Skylight manufacturers were less enthusiastic about the new criteria for their products. “Skylights seem to be treated more harshly than windows,” said Roger LeBrun of Velux. New SHGC criteria, he noted, can impair the light benefits of skylights—one of the main reasons people buy skylights. LeBrun and ODL’s Dave De Block also urged DOE to establish Energy Star ratings for tubular skylights that take into account the daylighting benefits they deliver.
Nearly all the industry representatives at the meeting expressed appreciation to DOE for already gathering input from the industry in establishing the new criteria. Karney concluded the event by noting that DOE would consider extending the comment period further. Since the meeting, DOE made the decision to do just that and has now established October 17 as the deadline for submissions.
Written feedback on the draft criteria can be sent via e-mail to ezachery@drintl.com with “Criteria Revision” in the subject line. DOE plans to post those public comments on the Energy Star windows Web site.
Based on the feedback, the final Energy Star criteria—and effective dates—are expected to be announced this fall. JGS
Masonite Forms Joint Venture with
Laser Etching Firm
Offering a new texturing process said to enable designers “to conceive and execute more stunning, more vibrant and more beautiful materials–at highly economical costs,” a new joint venture has been formed by Masonite and TechnoLines LP. ...
Offering a new texturing process said to enable designers “to conceive and execute more stunning, more vibrant and more beautiful materials–at highly economical costs,” a new joint venture has been formed by Masonite and TechnoLines LP. To be known as Echelon Laser Systems, the company’s laser technology can be used in a wide range of building materials, including doors, cabinets, moulding, siding, windows and decking, the companies report.
"This partnership truly has the makings of a breakthrough venture,” adds Larry Repar, Masonite executive vice president and COO. "TechnoLines brings years of research, development and broad intellectual property. Coupled with Masonite’s commercial wherewithal and heritage of innovation in the building industry, we make a stunning combination."
Darryl Costin, CEO, TechnoLines, says "We are most excited about this partnership which brings together the leader in high speed, high power, patented laser etching technology with an internationally renowned building products company.”
Masonite has not yet determined how it will use the laser etching processes on its products, notes Keith Kometer, vice president of product management. “We’ll use the technology in future projects–it’s not in use anywhere yet,” he says. “We haven’t yet come down on what products will use it, and where, but we envision a broad range of potential applications.”
Schüco Vinyl Operations to be Handled by Breakoff Company
Force V Environmental has purchased Schüco USA’s vinyl window division. ...
Force V Environmental has purchased Schüco USA’s vinyl window division. A new company headed up by longtime Schüco employee Richard Porosky, Force V plans to move its operations from Connecticut to South Carolina and increase its focus on impact-resistant products and commercial storefronts.
Schüco USA had announced plans to exit the vinyl window business earlier this year. Its German parent company, Schüco International, had already sold its vinyl window operations as part of a strategic initiative to focus on its aluminum and solar systems worldwide.
Force V has pared back Schüco’s existing list of about 150 dealers to 20 to 25 core dealers, reports Chris Porosky, Force V spokesman and son of Richard Porosky. It plans to again expand when the new company is fully set up in January 2009. “We want to be small right now, and get our systems in place,” he explains. “We will plan to increase tremendously in January.”
Schüco has primarily focused on the residential vinyl window market. Force V will continue to focus on the residential market, with an increasing interest in vinyl storefronts.
“We’re the first company that we know of to offer all-vinyl storefronts,” Porosky says.
Force V will continue to service Schüco’s Northeast market, while adding business in the hurricane belt from the new Spartanburg County, S.C. facility. Porosky says the company will focus on developing an interactive Web site and accepting orders via email.
Barr Chooses Friedman ERP System
Vinyl window and door manufacturer Harry G. Barr Co. has selected Friedman Corp.’s Frontier ERP to replace its current business systems. ...
Vinyl window and door manufacturer Harry G. Barr Co. has selected Friedman Corp.’s Frontier ERP to replace its current business systems. Based in Fort Smith, Ark., the 74-year-old Harry G. Barr supplies a six state region with a comprehensive range of vinyl window and doors.
“We wanted to improve our inventory control and order cycle time while still providing our customers a large range of options,” says Larry Barr, president of the company. “It was also very important for us to find a single vendor that could provide all of the software functionality to support our company’s business; this included a fully integrated accounting and financial reporting module.
“Friedman’s pedigree as the leading ERP solution for our industry and the flexible nature of their configurator was also a key factor in our decision,” adds Michael Barr, operations manager.
Full integration of the Frontier system includes customer service, manufacturing, dealer quoting and accounting. Friedman reports that more than 40 percent of the top 100 window and door manufacturers in North America utilize the Frontier ERP system and its dealer quoting tools.
Pella and Simonton Rank Highest with J.D. Power
Pella Corp. ranks highest in satisfying consumers with windows and patio doors, while Simonton Windows ranks highest in satisfying builders and remodelers. ...
Pella Corp. ranks highest in satisfying consumers with windows and patio doors, while Simonton Windows ranks highest in satisfying builders and remodelers, according to two studies released by J.D. Power & Associates.
The J.D. Power & Associates 2008 Window and Patio Door Satisfaction Study, now in its second year, measures satisfaction among consumers who purchased new windows or patio doors. The study found that approximately one in 10 consumers report experiencing a problem with their windows or patio doors. Among those customers who report a problem, failure of the window or patio door to close or lock properly is the most frequently cited issue.
The study also found that consumers who install their new windows and patio doors themselves are just as satisfied with the experience, on average, as consumers who use an installation service, handyman or independent contractor.
Company rankings in the study are based on performance in seven categories: ordering and delivery, value, operational performance, product quality/durability, appearance and design features, repair and replacement, and warranty. Pella performed best in five of the seven categories, including operational performance, product quality/durability, appearance and design features, warranty, and ordering and delivery. Marvin Windows & Doors ranked a close second, performing best in the value and ordering and delivery factors, and had the greatest improvement in rank position since 2007 of any manufacturer in the study. Andersen Windows finished third, excelling in the warranty and repair and replacement categories.
J.D. Power teamed up with McGraw-Hill Construction to conduct the second report, its 2008 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study. Now in its third year, the study measures satisfaction based on responses from new home builders and remodelers. Overall satisfaction is based on seven categories: product, warranty and repair service, value, customer service and support, delivery, credit/billing process, and ordering process.
Simonton ranked highest overall, performing best in the ordering process, delivery and value categories. Pella came in second, performing best in the customer service and support and credit/billing process categories, while Milgard Windows ranked third, performing best in warranty and repair service.
Despite a challenging economic environment for the homebuilding and construction industries, overall satisfaction improved from 2007, with an increase of approximately 2 percent.
One shift in the market evident in the findings, according to researchers, is that value has increased in importance as a driver of satisfaction this year. “The increase in importance of the value factor—which denotes builders’ and remodelers’ perception of product value compared to the price paid—is not unexpected, given the current trying times in the housing industry in which both construction and sales are down,” says Jim Howland, a J.D. Power senior director. “In spite of the market downturn, however, window and patio door manufacturers have succeeded in satisfying customers by not only providing high-quality products, but also by elevating levels of customer service and support.”
Not surprisingly, the study also found energy efficiency emerging as a more important product feature this year. “Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of energy efficient and environmentally friendly building options, and builders and remodelers are responding accordingly to consumer demand by placing particular importance on energy efficiency when evaluating products,” says Burleigh Morton, McGraw-Hill’s senior director of research and analytics. “In addition, if builders and remodelers are able to tout the energy efficiency of windows and patio doors that they install, it may give them an edge in the tight housing and construction markets.”
...
Builder Confidence Holds Steady in August
From the National Association of Home Builders
Single-family home builders cite housing legislation as cause for optimism over the next six months. ... read more
What is a "Slow Home?"
From theslowhome.com
Devoted to "bringing good design into real life" a movement is emerging to take on production housing and suburban sprawl and create more unique homes and neighborhoods. ... read more
NAM Calls Surge in Exports "Phenomenal"
From the National Association of Manufacturers
Commerce department numbers show U.S. exports maintaining red hot pace, despite perceptions. ... read more
|