Q: Why use Indow Windows over purchasing new windows?
A: Old windows fit the style of your home and don’t you love that beautiful rippling glass? Why throw away those classic, beautiful windows or spend needless amounts of money on new windows? Indow Windows are window inserts that deliver double pane window performance at a much lower cost.
Q: What type of benefits/savings do Indow Windows provide?
A: Indow Windows provides the following benefits:
- Delivers energy savings equivalent to a standard double pane window at 15%-20% of the cost
- Provide industry leading comfort by eliminating cold drafts coming through windows
- Features a low profile design that almost disappears when installed, allowing your home’s own beauty to shine through
- Allows you to preserve your existing windows, which is often aesthetically preferable to even a high quality, high price double pane upgrade
- Reduces noise coming through your windows by 50% (when placed over single pane windows).
- Designed for easy installation and removal for cleaning or storage. We can do the initial installation for most homes or businesses in less than two hours, without the disruption, expense, and worries about lead paint that accompany a window replacement construction project
- Generates up to a 15% return on investment per year. (Actual return on investment depends on many variables such as your local weather conditions, energy prices, where you set the thermostat, and so on.
- Enhances your home’s resale value, preserving the initial investment
Q: I live in a noisy urban area; will Indow Windows help reduce any of the noise?
A: Indow Windows will reduce noise coming through single pane windows by up to 50%. We also sell Acoustic Grade Indow Windows that dampen sound by up to 70%. This is one of the most important benefits for some of our customers! Here is a demonstration on how well this works!
Q: Are there any benefits to using Indow Windows in the summer?
A: Yes, using your Indow Window window inserts with your air conditioner will lower your energy bill and help keep your house cooler and quieter in the summertime. Indow Windows can help keep homes without air conditioning cooler also. Here is a tip: at night position a very large fan pointing out of one window. Open several other windows on opposing walls and draw cool air in through those windows at night. In the morning, before it gets hot, pop your Indow Windows back into place to seal out the hot daytime air. Your house will stay much cooler!
Q: Will Indow Windows add any benefits to double pane windows?
A: Indow Windows added to your double windows will make them even more efficient adding to the R Value and noise reduction benefits. You get triple pane performance at a fraction of the cost.
Q: What is “R Value”?
A: R-value measures the thermal resistance of walls, windows, and other parts of a building. An Indow Window combined with a single pane window provides 94% of the thermal insulation of a standard double pane window. Check out our performance metric!
Q: For which federal and state rebates do Indow Windows qualify?
A: At this point there are no Federal, State, or utility rebates available for Indow Windows. However, because Indow Windows upgrade your windows by adding an additional layer of window insulation, they are typically considered a home “improvement” (vs. repair or maintenance). Your purchase of Indow Windows likely qualifies as an eligible home improvement, the value of which can be added to the taxable cost basis of your home, thereby reducing your taxable gain when you sell. Be sure to check with your tax advisor for details and limitations of this tax benefit.
If you install Indow Windows as part of a whole home energy efficiency retrofit, Indow Windows may qualify for cash incentives or low-interest financing as an air-sealing measure. Check with your local energy efficiency program eligibility and details.
Q: I have old, drafty single pane windows, can Indow Windows help or do I have to buy new windows?
A: Indow Windows window inserts can help! Adding Indow Windows will boost your current windows’ performances to the equivalence of standard double pane window performance at about 15-20% of the cost. Why replace those beautiful, single pane windows or spend needless money when Indow Windows will stop that cold draft,reduce noise by 50% or more while lowering your energy bills, lowering your carbon footprint at making your home more comfortable?
Q: Is there any construction required for installing Indow Windows?
A: Aside from the safety straps, which install with one screw, there are no additional nails, adhesives, or screws involved in the installation. We custom cut the Indow Window to fit your window opening. The Indow Windows are attached with our patented Compression Tube which compresses when the Indow Window is pressed into the frame, providing the spring the force needed to hold the window insert in place.
Q: Which types of windows/frames will Indow Windows work with?
A: Indow Windows work best with square and rectangular shaped windows but can be also fitted to other polygons as well. Custom shapes such as arched windows are available in select markets. Call your local dealer for availability. In order for Indow Windows to fit properly, there must be an unobstructed flat edge within your window frame with a depth of at least 5/8 of an inch that runs the entire perimeter of the window.
Q: My windows are out of square. Will Indow Windows still work?
A: Indow Windows work very well with out of square windows. No modification of out of square windows is required. We measure your window frames very carefully and create an Indow Window window insert that fits the shape of your window frame, even if it is significantly out of square.
Q: My windows are not standard size; can I still use Indow Windows?
A: Yes, each Indow Window is custom made to fit each window.
Q: Will Indow Windows work with curved windows?
A: In certain geographies we do make Indow Windows to fit curved windows. Contact us to see if we can provide you with curved Indow Windows in your geography.
Q: What’s the largest window size Indow Window will work in?
A: Size restrictions have many variables according to width, height, window function and air leakage. If you have windows larger than the sizes specified below, please call to inquire. We may be able to meet your needs.
Currently we are providing thermal inserts for sealed windows up to 36 square feet. We can make Indow Windows up to 25 square feet for operable windows. Larger Indow Windows may be possible, but need careful planning and additional custom work.
Q: Will Indow Windows work with my blinds and curtains?
A: Indow Windows will work with curtains and blinds if they are mounted to the face of the window frame rather than to the inside. In order for Indow Windows to fit properly, there must be an unobstructed flat edge within your window frame with a depth of at least 5/8 of an inch that runs the entire perimeter of the window.
Q: How do Indow Windows stay in place?
A: Indow Windows stay in place because of our patent pending spring bulb, which is custom made to precisely fit each window. We make the Indow Window slightly larger than the inside of your window frame, so that the bulb compresses when the Indow Window is pushed into place. This compression creates a spring force to hold the Indow Window in your window frame while sealing out cold drafts and hot summer air. Click here to see a demonstration.
Q: What colors do Indow Window’s come in?
A: The Indow Window’s edging currently comes in white, brown and black. The brown is comparable to Benjamin Moore’s French Press.
For large commercial jobs, custom colors are available in any of the Pantone colors.
Note: Silicone edging does not paint well.
Q: Why do you use acrylic over film or glass?
A: Acrylic is strong, light weight, and insulates very well. Acrylic has superior noise muting properties over film and is a better insulator than glass. Most films appear cloudy and are easily pierced by sharp objects. Also acrylic looks far better in a window frame than film. Glass is heavy and can shatter or chip easily. Indow Windows made from acrylic sheets are far easier to store and handle than glass.
Q: Plexiglass? I’m concerned with how plexiglass will look in my window frame.
A: Plexiglass (acrylic) is highly transparent and allows more light transmission than glass. When Indow Windows are installed, they are almost unnoticeable.
Q: How noticeable are Indow Windows?
A: Unlike cloudy film glazes and bulky framed interior storm windows, Indow Windows are frameless, composed of highly transparent acrylic glazing and practically disappear from sight when installed into a window frame.
Q: How do Indow Windows stay in place?
A: Indow Window window inserts stay in place because of our patented Compression Tube, which is custom made to precisely fit each window. Our dealers use our custom laser measuring sytem to get a precise measurement of your window frames. From these exact measurements we make your Indow Windows the exact same shape as the inside of your window frames but slightly larger, so that the Compression Tube squeezes down when the Indow Window is pushed into place. This compression creates a spring force to hold the Indow Window in your window frame while sealing out cold drafts and hot summer air. Click here to see a demonstration.
Q: What if I want to open any of my windows while Indow Windows are installed?
A: Indow Windows remove easily and reinstall just as easily. There is a pull tab to help remove the Indow from the frame. For larger windows, there is also a safety strap behind the window that will need to be unhooked prior to removal. This is an easy maneuver.
Q: How do I remove and reinstall Indow Windows? Is this difficult?
A: Indow Windows remove and install very easily. The only critical time is the first installation where our dealer makes sure that the Indow Window is the correct size and is functioning properly in your window frame. After that, to remove the Indow Window, all you have to do is simply pull the small tab. This will free the Indow Window from the frame. Once the Indow Window is dislodged, there is a safety strap you need to unhook, which is very easy to do.
Reinstalling your Indow Window is simply a matter of lining each corner with the window frame and pressing it into place. We generally try to put the bottom corners in first to align the Indow, and then the top corners followed by the top and sides.
Q: How do I tell which Indow Window goes into which frame?
A: We use a laser engraver to mark the backside of the bottom left corner of each Indow Window to denote what window frame the Indow goes into. Our numbering system starts on the left immediately entering the house at #1, proceeding from left to right. Each room is also individually denoted.
Q: Where would you recommend UV filtering (Museum Grade) & Scratch Guard (Commercial Grade)?
A: Many clients order Museum grade for areas where they want to protect furniture, art, carpets or kids from the damaging effects of the sun's UV rays. Select museum grade for windows where the sun shines through into your home. Typically unshaded windows on the east, south, or west can benefit from Museum Grade Indow Windows.
Commercial grade is generally ordered for areas near the kitchen sink where it will be washed or wiped off more often or removed frequently. A pet or child with a sharp object will still be able to damage Commercial grade Indow Windows.
Q: Will the inserts trap condensation?
A: Thermal window inserts should greatly reduce or entirely eliminate condensation on existing single or double pane windows. The bulb seal edging effectively stops warm moist air from reaching the glass. Most clients find that they can see outside their kitchens for the first time during dinner in the wintertime. There will be times when the acrylic will start to fog up but not nearly as severe as the glass would. If condensation is repeatedly appearing inside the glass or fogging up the acrylic, then there is most likely an existing condition in the wall that should be addressed and remedied.
You can read independent articles about this issue here and here.
Q: I see fog or moisture collecting on the inside of Indow Windows, what do I do?
A: Indow Windows almost always dramatically reduce condensation on the original single (or double) pane windows. If condensation does occur, it often indicates a problem with moisture build up in the walls.
Q: Will Indow Windows add to my mold problems?
A: Window mold is generally caused by window condensation. Condensation happens when moist air comes into contact with a colder surface, such as a window. Indow Windows help prevent window condensation through insulating the warm home air from the cold outer windowpane.
Q: What are blowout straps used for?
A: Blowout straps are used in the event of high wind pressure from the outside of leaky exterior windows. Indow Windows create such a tight fit that air pressure can build up and work to push the Indow Window out. During high wind events, some of your Indow Windows might vent air pressure in the corner or along a side. This is normal and you can simply push the corner or side back into place. The straps are designed to prevent the Indow from falling completely out of the window frame, which is unlikely to happen.
Q: I’ve had exterior storm windows in the past and wasn’t satisfied with their performance. Will Indow Windows be able to outperform storm windows?
A: Exterior storm windows are designed to protect against rain and, sometimes, against strong winds. Indow Windows are designed to insulate windows from cold and heat and also reduce sound transmission and provide better thermal and acoustical insulation than traditional storm windows. If you’ve used exterior storm windows in the past, you’ll easily be able to feel the difference with Indow Windows.
Q: Can you mount them on the outside?
A: Indow Windows are made for the interior of your home. We are not providing exterior solutions at this time.
Q: Do you make Indow Windowss for screen doors?
A: Indow Windows does not currently manufacture Indow Windows for screen doors.
Q: How long do Indow Windows last?
A: Indow Windows should last over ten years. Our warranty is available for download.
Q: Doesn’t acrylic turn yellow over time?
A: The acrylic we use to make Indow Windows window inserts does not yellow, crack or discolor from exposure to UV radiation or simple aging and is warrantied for ten years against any such degradation. Some other types of plastic sheeting, such as polycarbonate, can turn yellow when exposed to UV radiation, which is why we do not use those types of plastics to make Indow Windows.
Q: Doesn’t acrylic scratch very easily?
A: If not cared for properly, especially with storage and cleaning, acrylic will scratch. If scratching is a concern, we offer a commercial grade acrylic that has a durable, scratch resistant coating.
Q: Will the acrylic crack?
A: The acrylic glazing has a high strength to weight ratio and will not crack if handled properly.
Q: How durable is the edging and will it fade?
A: The edging is made out of a high quality silicone, which is a similar to the material used to make silicone oven mitts and cooking spatulas. It was chosen for it's durability and it will not fade from exposure to UV or be affected by heat or cold.
Q: We love the product! What is the next step?
A: The next step: measure! Jot down the rough width and height of each window, then visit our dealer page to look up the contact information for the dealers located nearest to you. Our dealers will be happy to provide you with a free, non-binding estimate. If the estimate looks good one of our dealers' certified measuring technicians will come out and take precise laser measurements to custom fit each window. You can also always contact us at 503-284-2260 or comfort(at)indowwindows(dot)com.
Please note our product needs a minimum of 5/8" free & clear flat frame depth to seat properly on the inside window frames and may not fit if there are existing recessed blinds.
Q: How long will the whole process take?
A: Typically it takes 2-4 weeks to install your Indow Windows after we receive your Purchase Agreement. This is not a guarantee and is subject to fluctuation based on current demand.
Q: Where do I buy Indow Windows?
A: Indow Windows are purchased through our dealer network. To find a dealer please visit our Get Your Indow Windows page.
Q: How do I clean my Indow Windows?
A: Do not use any ammonia or bleach based cleaners such as Windex, Clorox or 409.
We recommend the Indow Windows Cleaning Kit to clean your Indow Windows safely. For non-greasy dirt or dust, spraying with water and then wiping with a microfiber cloth will often work best (We do not recommend dry dusting). To clean greasy stains, spray two or three pumps of the cleaning mixture, using one lightly dampened cleaning kit towel to distribute the solution. Wipe away all remaining moisture.
If the Indow Windows Cleaning Kit is not available, then use a soft, lint-less, nonabrasive cloth, such as a microfiber towel, and a mild, ammonia and alcohol free cleaner such as diluted dish soap to clean your Indow Windows. We recommend a diluted mixture of “Dr. Bronner’s Magic All-One” soap or something similar. Suggested ratio: 1/2 tsp. to 16oz of distilled water.
Do not use any ammonia, alcohol, or bleach-based cleaners such as Windex, Clorox or 409. Do not use lemon juice or vinegar.
Do not use paper towels, newspapers or rough cloths. Use only microfiber cleaning cloths.
Q: Can I repair scratches?
A: In some cases, it may be possible to lessen the appearance of scratches by using a plastic polish such as Novus 2 or 3 which can be found at most major hardware stores. Be careful to follow the manufacturer’s directions as the incorrect use may damage your Indow Window.
Q: How do I store my Indow Windows?
A: Many Indow Windows can be left in place year round with the occasional removal for cleaning. If an Indow Window is removed for an extended period, proper storage is essential. We make high quality custom-fitted, clear storage sleeves made from a 5mm nylon-poly blend. If you choose to make your own sleeves be sure to consider the abrasiveness of the material to avoid scratching.
If you wish to remove your Indow Windows the best option is to store them flat on the floor with the largest on the bottom, no more than 3 high to prevent bowing or warping.