May 18, 2013

Attaining Silver with an Energy Efficient Office

Indow Windows has been turned into an energy efficient office by being a happy partner with the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability‘s Sustainability at Work Program.

Our involvement stems from our triple bottom line mission of benefiting the environment by reducing carbon emissions, building the community by partnering with local non-profits, investing in our employees, and growing the company so that it can do more of these good things. The Sustainability at Work Program has been a great way to work together as a team to focus on the environmental stewardship portion of our mission and to help be leaders in our community!

Energy Efficient Office

How did our energy efficient office attain a silver certification?

Our top achievements in our business practices have been :

Developing a laser window measurement system to minimize waste
Using the minimum amount of packaging necessary to transport and ship
Composting program at work
Developing 100% reusable and recyclable crating
Asking all vendors to minimize packaging and waste

How can your business be sustainable?

Energy Efficient Office

You do not need to develop new software or insulate your office in order to become sustainable (although encouraged)! Sustainability starts with each member of the team, and there are a few things many of us contribute every day to make this possible:

Employees are encouraged to bike to work (sheltered bike storage, bike repair kit available, etc)
Lighting is dimmed or turned off when adequate sunlight is available
Transit pass program is available to all employees
Thermostat is set to 68 degrees max for heating when space is occupied
Paper is printed on both sides
Paper, metal, plastic, and glass are recycled
Electronic devices are donated for reuse or recycled
Food and food-soiled papers are composted
And many more!

A big round of applause to the Indow Windows team for working together to get our Silver Certification. Now on to being gold! We have been working toward attaining our Gold Certificate, including getting Indow Windows in the office. Our earlier blog post told the story of getting this insulation in our office, and we are looking forward to wrapping up the next stages in certification. Wish us luck!

Energy Efficient Office

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May 10, 2013

Our Plan to Fight Climate Change

Our plan to fight climate change

Climate change is big problem that makes many of us feel powerless but there are positive changes we can all take. Some of the changes can even make our lives more enjoyable.

Recent news reports indicated that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached 400 parts per million, a level higher than ever reached during humanity’s existence as a species. The last time CO2 levels were this high, sea levels were 50 to 60 feet higher than they are today and our ancestors were still up in the trees. If oceans rise 60 feet, even Portland Oregon’s airport would be under the sea even though we are a hundred miles from the coast! You can read a recent report about the climate change peril here: New York Times.

We need to do more to reverse climate change but with paralysis in the US government and plenty of carbon being pumped out of smokestacks all around the world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Our approach here at Indow Windows is to provide our customers with comfort, quiet, and savings and help them lower their energy use as part of the deal.

A Billion Single Pane Windows Cause Climate Change

Did you know that there are still a billion single pane windows in the United States? That 42% of our housing stock still has single pane windows? That buildings are the largest consumers of energy in the United States and windows are the number one source of energy loss from buildings?

We here at Indow Windows are working hard to grow this company, and in the process contribute to our community and help stop climate change. If you would like to help us succeed, please share the news about Indow Windows with your friends, neighbors, and family.

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Apr 27, 2013

What is Comfort and How Do Thermal Windows Help?

What are thermal windows?

Thermal windows are designed to resist the passage of heat from inside to outside, or vice versa. Many thermal windows accomplish this by having a pocket of air in between two pockets of glass. Those of you familiar with how Indow Windows work will recognize this – Indow Windows thermal inserts install inside your window frame with our compression tubing, which means an air seal is created allowing for this insulated pocket of air.

What is heat transfer and why does it matter?

Thermal windows primarily serve to regulate thermal comfort. An article by Energy Vanguard on the 4 Factors of comfort reveals that the following factors influence thermal comfort:

•   Temperature. How hot or cold is it? Humans like to be in the range of 70 to 80 degrees, more or less. This is the most obvious of the 4 factors of comfort and gets the most attention.
•   Humidity. How much moisture is in the air? Forty to sixty percent relative humidity is the ideal range. In addition to decreasing comfort, a relative humidity that’s too low or too high increases the likelihood of things like bacteria, mold, dust mites. (See the diagram below.)

•   Air Movement. Is the air moving across your skin? In the summer, one way that our bodies keep cool is by the evaporation of sweat. A nice breeze or a ceiling fan can keep us comfortable even when the the temperature and humidity are at or above the narrow range we find most comfortable. In the winter, that same air movement will make us uncomfortable.
•   Mean Radiant Temperature. How hot or cold are the surfaces around you? Of the four factors of comfort, this one’s the least recognized or understood, but let me give you a couple of examples. If you’ve ever sat next to a window on cold night, you’ve probably experienced discomfort due to a low mean radiant temperature. The cold inner glass surfaces suck heat out of your body because you’re radiating heat to them but they’re not radiating much back. This can happen even with double pane windows! Another mean radiant temperature problem occurs in bonus rooms, where you can have walls with a hot attic on the other side. Most of the time those attic knee-walls are poorly insulated and thus get very hot. Even if the air temperature in that room is 70 degrees, you may be uncomfortable because the walls keep blasting you with heat.

Tell me more about this radiant heat transfer and how it affects me!

Think about sitting down in a room to read your favorite book. If you had a nifty infrared thermometer, you would find the temperature of your chair, the book, yourself, your walls, the floor, and the windows would all be drastically different. Even though your thermostat may say 70 degrees, you may feel as if it is way colder than that!

Thermal Windows Temperature Regulation

Colder surfaces will suck the heat right off of warm surfaces, most importantly you! Instead of turning up the thermostat to combat this process, insulation and air sealing measures may be used. One of them being thermal inserts for your windows.

This theory was recently tested by Portland State University’s Green Building Research Lab. They found that Indow Windows thermal windows cost effectively reduce heating energy consumption by approximately 20% by delivering superior comfort that kept homeowners from dialing up their thermostats.

The report states, “The fact that the average measured savings was nearly double this (at 19%) might be a direct result of the thermal comfort benefits of the Indow Windows. Specifically, since the interior window surface of the Indow product is much warmer than would be the inner surface of the single pane of glass, the occupant within the building will feel warmer standing next to the Indow Window, than standing next to a single pane of glass even if the room air temperature is the same in both cases. As a result, the occupant is more likely to operate their home heating system at a lower thermostat setting after the Indow Windows are installed.”

If you are still hungry for information on the topic, we have some great resources for you:

Healthy Heating: Mean Radiant Temperature (A mathematical view)
PSU Report on Thermal Windows
Naked People Building Science

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Apr 20, 2013

New Video Testimonial on Indow Window Inserts

So many window inserts to pick from!

Wondering what to do about your drafty windows? Many of our clients look at various window insulation options before choosing Indow Window inserts. Our latest video testimonial shows a Portland resident who looked at window inserts made with ‘saran wrap’, exterior storm window inserts, and also full window replacements.

Only one window insert rose above the rest

Ultimately the best window insert for the price, aesthetic value, and energy savings he was looking for was Indow Windows. He was able to preserve the historic glass in the family home that had been passed down through generations, and keep the comfort for a new generation – a baby in the house that needed extra warmth and quiet in the house.

Check out what Kester had to say about how he chose Indow Windows and the process of getting them installed:

Need more proof?

Portland State University’s Green Building Research Lab recently released their report on testing Indow Windows, our custom made window inserts. The pilot study ran over one year and studied before and after energy use in four homes. On average each homeowner saved just under 20% on their energy bills!

There you have it – customer testimonials and scientific testing. What’s keeping you from bringing comfort and energy efficiency into your home?

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Apr 10, 2013

Indow Interior Storm Windows Tested by Portland State

Portland State University’s Green Building Research Lab recently released their report on testing Indow Windows, our custom made interior storm windows. The pilot study ran over one year and studied before and after energy use in four homes. On average each homeowner saved just under 20% on their energy bills! What’s really cool, er, we mean warm about this report is that the scientists’ computer models predicted that the Indow Windows would save 10%. They theorize that the extra energy savings occurred because the homeowners were so comfortable that they did not reach for the thermostat to turn up the heat! Wow!

Read the full report here!

Noise abatement testing. Sound source is located at a specified location interior to the test fixture (outside environment) while noise levels are measured by the tripod-mounted microphone located outside the test fixture (inside environment).

Interior Storm Windows That Deliver So Much Comfort You Save

It sounds to us a lot like these homeowners were getting paid to stay comfortable, right? We have some of our own theories about why Indow Interior Storm Windows deliver so much comfort. First, Indow Windows are almost completely sealing out the cold drafts. The Compression Tube forms a, well, snug fit all the way around. Second, our interior storm windows are made of acrylic, which just does not radiate cold the same way that glass does. Did you know that a cold surface can literally suck the heat out of your body? Those cold single pane windows are kind of like vampires sucking heat right out of you and Indow Windows are the wooden stake!

Computer Model for testing Interior Storm Windows

The Green Building Research Lab study was conducted on four older homes with single pane windows in the Portland, Oregon climate. The full report is available here and we will be posting a summary of the results soon, so stay tuned!

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Apr 3, 2013

Noise Reducing Windows Offer Affordable Quiet

High Demand for Noise Reducing Windows

Many people suffer from noisy offices and homes without knowing that they can benefit from noise reduction windows. Just check out our case study of a recent customer who got Indow noise reduction windows or watch this short video showing a train silently passing by our factory. It goes to show you that the demand is high, but many people do not know there is an attainable solution to this annoying problem.

Our dealer, Altair Energy Services, is hurrying to provide noise reducting windows to residents in NYC. The president of Altair, Jonathan Hunt, was recently featured in a great article in Brick Underground discussing how to soundproof your windows:

The Lew Beach, New York-based company, an authorized Indow Windows dealer, installs energy-saving storm window inserts that block out cold air and—most relevant to sleepy city-dwellers—reduce noise by up to 75 percent, says Altair president Jonathan Hunt.

“There’s a huge demand for sound reduction in the city,” says Hunt. “They’ll also help you stay warmer in winter, cooler in summer and save money on heating and cooling costs.”

The acrylic inserts are precision-measured, then hand-crafted to fit windows of most sizes and shapes. They press securely into place on the insides of window frames using a patented silicone rubber gasket, effectively blocking out both cold air and street sounds.

The inserts require no carpentry or modification of existing frames, or any additional hardware, making them perfect for pre-war buildings where historical preservation rules prevent residents from making changes to the existing structure.

“They virtually disappear when installed, so they don’t detract from the original look,” says Hunt, adding that they easily pop out if you want to clean the window or get some air.

Indow Windows aren’t the only soundproofing solution available to weary New Yorkers—Cityproof and Citiquiet have been around for decades—but Indow Windows are a decidedly cheaper alternative to the long-established brands.

And while the inserts won’t block out another one of your neighbor’s epic living room shouting matches with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, when they finally take their fight outside, you won’t hear a thing.

The article has some other great information on the process for getting Indow Windows. If you want to get noise reducing windows in your home, contact us and we will let you know if an Indow Windows authorized dealer is in your area!

Noise Reduction Windows Train

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Mar 30, 2013

Historic Stained Glass Church Windows Insulated for Comfort and Savings

Preserving Beautiful Church Windows and Attaining Energy Efficiency

The congregation at McMinnville Cooperative Ministries had decided that carbon reduction was an important priority. Pastor Mark Pederson, one of the pastors for the church, was still not sure that they would welcome the weatherization project proposed by McMinnville-based Cellar Ridge Construction. The $200,000 cost was a significant expense, but to his delight the congregation overwhelmingly approved the initiative.

The plan included air and duct sealing, wall and ceiling insulation, an upgrade to the heating system, installation of solar power, and for the stained-glass church windows in the sanctuary, Cellar Ridge recommended Indow Windows.

“I had read about Indow Windows in the newspaper just a week before Cellar Ridge presented me with their weatherization plan. Indow Windows seemed like a great way to insulate the stained glass windows in our sanctuary while preserving their beauty so we decided to move forward.”

Reducing Noise from the Drafty Stained Glass Windows

The renovation was extensive, and on the day Cellar Ridge installed the 74 Indow Windows it was quite noisy due to the trucks outside the sanctuary pumping insulation into the walls.

Stained Glass Church Windows

Installing Indows over Stained Glass Church Windows

Stained Glass Church Window

“We were blasted with sound on all sides of the sanctuary with the insulation truck, sirens, and general activity. It was a perfect storm of noise,” said Zack Geary, the Project Coordinator at Cellar Ridge. “As each Indow was installed, we could hear a slight noise reduction. Once one side of the building was installed, the difference was remarkable!”

What difference have the Indow Windows made?

Octagon Stained Glass Window “68 degrees is so much warmer than it used to be. The temperature is the same but the room is much cozier because the cold surface of the stained glass windows no longer sucks the heat out of our bodies,” said Pederson. “When I open an Indow Window to show a congregant how they work, we can feel the cold air rushing in.”

And it’s quieter too, “We used to hear sirens and traffic going down 2^nd Avenue but now we enjoy silence.”

The weatherization program done by Cellar Ridge has helped McMinnville Cooperative Ministries reduce its carbon footprint by 80% plus their sanctuary now shelters from the cold and noise.

Stories like this warm our hearts. Share yours with us!

Outside Stained Glass Church Windows

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Mar 22, 2013

Renovating and Preserving Historic Windows

Historic Windows in Astoria

Historic Windows that Outlook a Seaside Town

When Joseph and Kim ﬁrst set eyes on the historic windows in their Astoria, Oregon 1918 Arts and Crafts Bungalow, competing emotions swept through them. They both loved the historic home’s bones, seeing its underlying character despite a variety of unsuitable modernizations. Their passion for the historic home’s potential and commanding views won out. A long but loving restoration process began.

Restoring their Historic Windows

A labor of years commenced as Joseph removed the offending carpet, resurfaced the ceilings, and renovated the stairways, porch, and numerous other features. Gradually the two-story home’s original personality began to emerge.

“The house sits on top of a hill, providing the wonderful views,” says Joseph. “Unfortunately, previous owners had installed ugly storm windows on the outside that ruined the character of this distinctive building.” Beneath the storm windows the historic windows were in mixed condition. They replaced broken divided lights with historically accurate pieces of glass sourced from Thorness Glass’ collection of window lights. The storm windows came off but the couple worried about the chill that would seep through their liberated historic windows.

Preserving their Historic Windows

“I heard about Indow Window s from a local hardware store. I loved the idea of being able to insulate my windows without changing the home’s character or modifying the window frames, so I took the plunge.” After they installed the ﬁrst Indow Window, the couple was immediately thrilled. “The Indow Windows really blend in and you don’t notice them.” Joseph said. “I walked up and looked close to make sure I could still see that wavy glass!” Kim and Joseph can now enjoy comfort and quiet while enjoying the satisfaction that comes from restoring an historic home to its true, wonderful character.

Divided Light Historic Windows

Stories like these warm our hearts. Share yours!

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Mar 16, 2013

Eliminating Condensation Problems in Your Home

Do you have questions about condensation?

Condensation on windows is an unattractive problem that affects those of us who live in colder weather climates. Many of our customers come to us curious about how Indow Windows will effect condensation in their homes. This is because condensation reduces visibility, can be difficult to clean, and can often damage your curtains, walls, and/or carpets. In worst case scenarios, persistant condensation can cause mold to form and can rot the muntins in your windows. To answer how Indow Windows reduce condensation on windows, let’s take a step back and look at the large issue.

What is window condensation?

“Window condensation occurs when the temperature of the inside glass drops below the dewpoint of the adjacent air,” says our local dealer in Illinois, Energy 360 solutions. “Window condensation can be caused by a variety of factors – excess moisture in the air, inadequate ventilation, temperature differentials, inefficient windows, and more.”

In other words, when the cold in the outside air is absorbed in the glass and then makes contact with the warm, moist air in the home, condensation occurs. The more moisture, the more you may see this effect. This is why there are a higher number of problems in bathrooms and kitchens.

Why does window condensation form?

This temperature difference is the main issue that any solution will try to overcome. The National Fenestration Rating Council recently released a report that states, “to increase resistance of windows to the formation of condensation, it is important to maintain the surface temperature of the window above the dew point.

This reduction of the heat transfer is called the U-factor or thermal transmittance. The higher the U-factor, the higher chance condensation will form.

How can Indow Windows help reduce window condensation?

Indow Windows are a way for you to reduce this temperature differential because it is thermal acrylic sealed in place within the window frame by a patented compression tube. By forming a tight seal around the window frame Indow Windows dramatically reduce the flow of warm interior air onto the cold exterior window panes. Instead of warm air hitting the glass, a neutral temperature is maintained.

In addition to the air pocket, Indow Windows are made of a high grade acrylic, which does not conduct cold the same way glass does. The difference is very noticeable to the touch and in how quickly the condensation will be eliminated or greatly reduced.

Kitchen condensation on windows Indow Windows are easy to install and help with condensation in areas of high moisture such as your kitchen

How can I Stop Window Condensation with Indow Windows?

Complete the form below and we will have one of our representatives contact you about getting Indow Windows in your home to help stop the hassle of cleaning condensation.

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Mar 9, 2013

Working Together to get Insulation in Commercial Buildings

Kick-starting an Insulation Project

“For two years we were shivering in the office and dealing with noise from the train tracks and traffic,” said Sam Pardue, CEO of

Indow Windows Building in Portland, OR

Indow Windows. Like many business owners, he had a lack of insulation in his historic building.

It was uncomfortable for everyone in the office!

Indow Windows took action to get insulation, and applied for a green features grant from the Portland Development Commission (PDC) to do an environmental retrofit of the factory. The retrofit included insulating the windows with Indows throughout the building and R-38 ceiling insulation in the factory.

Green Features Grant team contacted EcoTech, who came over and discovered that existing insulation in the manufacturing area was not in contact with the ceiling. The owner of EcoTech, Marshall Runkle, had seen it many times. “There are a ton of commercial buildings out there where the insulation is inadequate or non-existent.” They worked to find the best product that was designed for the building materials the factory was constructed out of, and worked with a staff at the PDC to match the product with the budget.

Finding Solutions to Energy Problems

Window Insulation Modifications

Indow Windows also had to find solutions to work with the existing building structure. “All of the frames in the building had issues and required modifications, and we had to find a cost-effective way to face mount the inserts,” said Pardue. The Indow Windows team was able to make minor modifications while sustaining the function and aesthetics of the windows.

The installation process presented many challenges, the biggest of which was planning how not to disturb the manufacturing process. Indow Windows has a national distribution, and wanted no increased wait times to clients due to disruptions in the production line. Ecotech was able to schedule installation over nights and weekends.

Finally, success!

After the insulation in the ceiling and the installation of Indow Windows, the gas furnaces are running much less frequently in the office. “We are looking forward to seeing the energy savings,” said Pardue. “The noise from the train, which runs right outside the factory, is barely noticeable.”

“It’s little things like this that make Portland have a great reputation for doing a great thing,” Runkle stated. “Government working with a local business to put another local business together in order to make an existing building energy efficient.”

“The noise from the train, which runs right outside the factory, is barely noticeable.”

Window Insulation Success!

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