Marvin allows homeowners to craft a customized solution for their project’s unique needs. Choose from thousands of dual-pane and triple-pane (Tripane) products — and couple them with the Low E coating and gas options that help achieve optimal energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR is a federal program that determines where a variety of products, including windows and doors, meet certain
energy-efficiency standards. Products that achieve specific benchmarks can display the ENERGY STAR label. Marvin offers an extensive roster of products and options that meet ENERGY STAR standards. With windows and doors, the ENERGY STAR standards vary by climate – and Marvin offers ENERGY STAR options in each one.

Dual-Pane and Tripane
Marvin offers thousands of window and door options with two or three panes of glass: versatile, beautiful and energy efficient.

Tripane With Krypton
Our most energy-efficient window ever. Three panes of glass with Krypton gas between the panes for truly superior performance in the most challenging climates.

Insulating Glass Coatings
Extremely thin coatings of special metallic material applied to glass panes used in windows and doors boosts their energy efficiency. The industry standard for energy-efficient glass coatings has become low-emissivity. Coating a glass surface adjacent to gaps between each pane with low-emissivity material can block a significant amount of heat transfer. Low-emissivity coatings are transparent to visible light, and different types of coatings have been designed to allow for high solar gain, moderate solar gain or low solar gain.

LoE-180™: A great insulator (low U-Factor) that allows the sun’s warming rays to pass through (high SHGC). LoE-180 features a single metallic coating and an insulator that blocks heat loss to the outside while reflecting heat back into a room. This type of coating is ideal for applications where high solar gain is desired, such as northern climates.

LoE2-272®: Features a double metallic coating on the inside glass surface to reflect heat into the room in winter and reject the sun’s warmth in summer, reducing damaging UV rays. This coating option provides better protection against heat loss than LoE-180. It has good solar gain control. Suitable for all climates except the Southern zone of ENERGY STAR.

LoE3-366®: Features three metallic layers of silver. This coating offers the lowest U factor and lowest solar heat gain. It is often specified in the Southern ENERGY STAR zone where cooling costs are high and intense exposure to the sun is an issue.

Insulating Gases
Inert gases pumped into the spaces between panes of glass slow the transfer of heat, increasing the insulating power of a window or door.

Argon: Our standard windows and doors come with argon gas between the panes to boost energy efficiency.

Krypton: Customers seeking to maximize energy savings can consider our blend of krypton, argon and air. This option increases the insulating power of our Tripane products with narrow airspaces.

FURTHER OPTIONS

Marvin offers these enhancements to further increase the energy efficiency of our windows:

• Energy Panel: Often confused with storm windows, an Energy Panel is a glazing option consisting of a removable exterior glass panel finished on the edges by a surround. Energy panels cover the exposed glass surface of each sash, and offer added energy efficiency for wood windows with single glazing.
• Storm and Screen Combos: A combination unit is composed of two movable glass panels and one movable screen panel. A combination that placed in front of a dual pane product has a U-factor comparable to that of a Tripane unit and it helps protect the primary unit from the elements. The individual panels can be configured multiple ways, and can be easily removed from the interior for cleaning. Customized commercial screens are also available.

OTHER PERFORMANCE NOTES

• Low Air Infiltration: All Marvin window and door products meet or exceed the WDMA requirements for maximum air infiltration.
• XL Edge™ Spacer: Marvin offers the warm-edge XL Edge™ spacer from Cardinal – the most durable spacer system on the market. The spacer helps prevent energy loss around the perimeter of the window glass.

“In the marketplace today, consumers have created a big demand for energy-efficient products,” said Christine Marvin, head of product planning for Marvin Windows. “Fortunately, we were there to meet that trend. Now it’s an issue of dealing with stronger and stricter criteria that are in place.”

In the 1970s, Marvin Windows was considered a pioneer in the development of high-performance low-thermal emissivity (or low-E) windows, whose surface radiates or emits lower levels of heat energy, helping keep warm air inside during cold weather and out during summer.

According to Marvin, the ongoing progress of sustainability in the window market is the result of consumer demand, federal regulatory decrees such as Energy Star and the company’s internal ingenuity. [...]

“It’s a matter of push and pull,” Marvin said. “Consumers are educated: They want performance in their windows, and they want to save money.”

Read the full piece from Finance & Commerce.

This series will feature advice and tips from experts Eric Corey Freed, Zem Joaquin, Sarah Susanka, David Johnston and, as mentioned, Christine Marvin.

As some of America’s most energy-efficient LEED showcase homes feature the very same Marvin windows that you can buy for your own home, Marvin believes in building top performance into windows and doors with proven technology that are accessible to the average homeowner. And the proof is in the numbers: Marvin has more than 150,000 window and door products that are ENERGY STAR certified.

Tune in to Inhabitat each week for a new set of tips and advice. And let us know what you think!

Christine Marvin, Marvin Windows and Doors, with Carter Oosterhouse, star of HGTV Carter Can

Today marks the fourth annual Green Day at the NAHB International Builders’ Show. Marvin Windows and Doors is a proud sponsor as green day is an everyday concept for Marvin. Nestled in the far north woods of Minnesota in the small town of Warroad, Marvin has no choice but to reduce, reuse and recycle as it makes some of the industry’s finest and most energy efficient windows and doors.

As part of the day, Marvin Windows and Doors participated in a press briefing alongside Carter Oosterhouse, star of HGTV’s Carter Can. Other Green Day sponsors included BASF, Kohler and The Council for Responsible Energy.

Below is a summary of Christine Marvin’s remarks.

There’s a very good reason why Marvin has been a regular sponsor of these Green Day activities. It’s because the green values of energy efficiency and sustainability are part of everything we do. Using proven technologies, coupled with constant refinement and thoughtful innovation, we’re helping to make America more energy-efficient.

In just a few short years, “green” has become a mainstream concept in the building industry. No longer limited to a few early adopters, the desire for efficient products is widely shared by homeowners, whether for new construction or renovation.

We’re thrilled to see this development. Because our energy-efficient products are built to serve that great majority of homeowners who seek proven performance along with beauty, quality and affordability.

That last point is important.

You don’t have to go out on a limb with a tremendously expensive, unproven technology in order to achieve superior levels of efficiency. We at Marvin have provided windows for some of the country’s most noteworthy “green” projects.
Kroon Hall, the home of Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, recently was certified Platinum LEED – using Marvin windows.

The first LEED-certified residence in our home state of Minnesota was built with Marvin windows.
And a modest bungalow renovation in Oakland, California, recently received the highest LEED score of any residential renovation*ever* in the United States – using Marvin windows, of course.

And here’s the kicker: that bungalow is the personal residence of the founder of the U.S. Green Building Council, which created and administers the LEED system!

Impressive as that may be, what’s even more impressive is that the average homeowner can easily get many of these same windows for his own renovation or construction project.

It’s as if the race car that won the Daytona 500 was also available as an affordably priced family sedan – with both power and practicality.

We currently offer more than 150,000 products certified under the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program. And more than 2,000 products that qualify under the even more stringent R-5 program.

Tripane with Krypton

Here at the International Builders’ Show, we’re introducing our most energy efficient window ever: a triple pane with Krypton gas that exceeds ENERGY STAR standards.

But we also want to reaffirm our support and praise for ENERGY STAR. The program is doing what it was intended to do: Bring energy efficiency to the average American home.

Showcase projects are an important way to demonstrate what’s possible on the cutting edge, and we always welcome the chance to showcase our windows and doors. But a handful of showcase projects won’t move America significantly toward greater energy efficiency.

That significant movement only occurs when millions of American homeowners choose modern, energy-efficient windows that use proven technology, are built to high standards and are affordably priced.

That’s what ENERGY STAR standards are accomplishing, and that’s why we’re proud of our partnership with ENERGY STAR.
Any company can say their products “meet” ENERGY STAR requirements. But there’s a difference between saying you meet the requirements, and actually going through the rigorous process of having your products qualified, tested and certified by ENERGY STAR.

At Marvin, we’ve taken the time and trouble to have our products tested and certified.

So when a homeowner sees the ENERGY STAR seal on one of our windows, they can be sure they’re getting a product that will significantly improve the efficiency of their home, saving them energy and money.

Yet as we bring the next generation of efficient products to market, we can’t lose the affordability that’s crucial for reaching the mainstream, where these efficient products really make their collective impact felt. At Marvin, we’re already working on the next generation of efficient windows and patio doors. As efficiency standards change, we’ll be ready.

And we’ll continue building products that fit as comfortably in a showcase dream home – as they do in your home.
Thank you.

We spoke to designers, architects, builders and others in the home and fashion industries. As we had those conversations, some topics kept cropping up.

So, here’s what the experts are talking about: the top trends for 2011 in home building and design.

Trend #1: New Life for Old Materials

It’s more than merely recycling. It’s finding ways to turn substance into style — by taking raw material from one source and repurposing it in a completely unexpected way.

From metal tiles made of reclaimed airplane parts to countertops and wall panels made of recycled glass bottles, these innovative reworkings are adding creative flair – and sustainable substance — to homes across America.

Americans are staying longer in their homes. With that comes a desire to make their homes fit their lifestyle. People aren’t designing a home to be as bland as possible for the next buyer – they’re designing it for themselves, to be lived in to the fullest.

In keeping with this, architects and designers say there’s a new definition of value. It’s not about the lowest price.

It’s about quality, durability and getting the style and the performance you want from the products in your home, whether that’s a sofa or a picture window.

If it sprouted from the earth, designers are finding a way to use it in homes.

Flooring is one area where you might find a surprising substance under your feet – like palm, for example. How about wallcoverings made of banana trees? Ceiling tiles of jute? And while not as exotic as these other materials, sustainably grown pine can be found in window frames and other structural elements.

These products deliver beauty and durability along with their eco-friendly origins. The use of natural materials is still in its infancy in mainstream housing – but expect to see them more and more in the future.

As the name suggests, these are traditional elements with a modern twist – a little sleeker, a little surprising. Examples include streamlined living and dining room sets, silk chandeliers and casement windows that simulate the look of a classic double hung.

Forget the elaborate outdoor kitchens of a few years ago. Outdoor living is still important to American homeowners, but they’re going for a more relaxed, low-key version. Think fireplaces and fire pits, comfortable outdoor seating and dining areas, interesting lighting and simple counter space.

And to connect indoors and out, energy-efficient patio doors – either sliding or swinging — are a must.

No list of home trends would be complete without these topics – and they only get more important every year. The largest annual study of American homebuying preferences, by AVID Ratings, found that four of the top 10 desired home features involve energy efficiency. So, alongside such features as walk-in closets and kitchen islands, American homebuyers want:

• Energy-efficient windows
• Energy-efficient appliances
• High-efficiency insulation

Sustainability includes conserving water, maximizing natural heat and light, and using low-VOC materials (volatile organic compounds). Quality and durability are also part of the sustainability picture. Well-built, high quality home products last longer — and don’t end up in landfills.

Christine L. Albertsson AIA, CID, NCARB, Albertsson Hansen Architecture, Ltd.

Kurt Gough, A-AIA, Shelter Architecture

Susan Nackers Ludwig, Residential Architect

WARROAD, Minn., Feb. 16, 2010 – Home remodeling is a bright spot in the troubled U.S. construction industry, according to Marvin Windows and Doors, the nation’s largest maker of wood and clad wood windows and doors.

Year-end figures from the U.S. Commerce Department show that 2009 spending on private, residential remodeling totaled $125.6 billion — up 8.2 percent from 2008. Meanwhile, new residential construction spending came in at $134.8 billion — a drop of 23.5 percent from the previous year.

“We’ve seen this shift in our own business, as energy-efficient replacement windows and doors have outperformed our products for the new-construction market,” said Marvin spokesman John Kirchner. “Instead of trading up to larger homes or flipping properties for a quick profit, we’re seeing homeowners elect to renovate their existing properties for greater comfort, efficiency and style.”

Reflecting the shift, remodeling grabbed a much bigger share of the overall residential construction dollar. For all of 2009, new construction accounted for 51.8 percent of residential construction spending, with remodeling at 48.2 percent.

By contrast, new construction accounted for 60.3 percent of residential construction spending in 2008 and remodeling for only 39.7 percent.

The federal tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements is also giving a boost to remodeling, Kirchner said. The tax credit of up to $1,500 is available for products purchased through the end of 2010.

Marvin offers a free, downloadable window and door replacement guide to help homeowners learn about the energy-efficient options available to them.

“Like everyone in the homebuilding industry, we’re eager to see an upturn in the new construction business,” Kirchner said. “But we’re also happy to see the continuing strength of the remodeling segment.”

The energy-efficiency tax credit our federal government is offering homeowners will continue to be a driving force for much of the building and remodeling industry, and that’s evident from the focus on efficiency at the 2010 International Builders Show.

The tax credit gives homeowners back 30 percent — up to $1,500 — when they install qualifying products, such as windows and doors, furnaces, roofing or insulation.

Lou talks with Tom Sinning of Marvin Windows and Doors and Kevin Carlile of Trane about some of their highly energy-efficient products on display at the show and available now for homeowners.

The Low Profile Sill offers exceptional performance and beauty. Certified as DP40 on most sliding doors, the Low Profile Sill is strong and durable with the performance of a higher sill.

Its low profile is also ADA-compliant, adding ease to home living for those disabled or aging in place.

This sill is made from Ultrex®, a durable pultruded fiberglass and has an interior oak liner. It can be ordered with all current product and design options on Marvin sliding French and sliding patio doors.

The Low Profile Sill is a design exclusive to Marvin Windows and Doors. Now homeowners don’t have to choose between performance and looks—the Low Profile Sill shows only the beauty of the door, while remaining strong and secure.  And with today’s aging population, the Low Profile Sill is an important safety consideration, offering a flush threshold.  For those using wheelchairs or walkers, the Low Profile Sill is an ADA-compliant door, making home living a little easier.

John Simpson of Marvin Windows and Doors says, “The Low Profile Sill’s clean, flush look is perfect for today’s indoor-outdoor living trend.  In the past, taller thresholds were necessary for top performance, but Marvin’s inventive engineering has made the Low Profile Sill look good and perform just as well as a traditional sill.”

For further information about the Low Profile Sill, please call (888) 537-8266 or visit www.marvin.com.

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs save energy, but they take a long time to warm up and they’re not easily controlled by a dimmer. Leviton is showing a new CFL dimmer that not only controls the bulbs — it gives them a kick-start so they warm up faster. Most standard dimmers are made to work with incandescent bulbs, but this one is designed specifically for dimmable CFL bulbs.

CFL bulbs are a great product, but this dimmer makes them even greater. Learn more here.