Summary: Summary: A comparison is often made between Pella, Anderson and Marvin windows to find out which performs better. The key to this is the numbers and the right numbers will give you the most energy saving window. You should know which number you should be looking out for and the producer of the number.
QUESTION: I browsed through your website. I needed specific information on windows comparing Pella with Anderson casement windows. I was shocked to note that Pella windows are not at all sealed. You see, I am aware of the basics of double pane, high-efficiency, low-e, gas-sealed thermo-pane windows. What I saw simply was quite contrary to the "sealed = high efficiency" principle. Pella offers two panes of glass which are unsealed. How can they claim that their windows offer high efficiency? Or am I wrong somewhere?
For me, Marvin or Anderson is better though there are say that Pella is the best amongst the lot. That is because Marvin an Anderson windows with sealed-space providing better insulation. The casement product of Pella is better considering that there is no possibility of fogging or seal failure and in addition there is no mini-binds in-between. But then I don’t think that they are as efficient as the other.
Answer: You know that numbers do not lie. That is what my good friend and former mentor who is also a CPA taught me a number of years ago. You can choose the best quality clearly with the help of scientific methods which are reflected by the numbers assigned to different windows. These are the certification numbers derived independently by testing laboratories for each of the windows.
Pella, Anderson and Marvin are all reputed companies. Their windows are certified National Fennestration Rating Council (NFRC). These independent certification are with reference to R-values of their windows and particularly the glass or glazed portion of the window.
The window design of Pella consists of a pane of glass that is removable with a built-in gasket. This has been so for a number of years. You may not believe it; but the seal of this gasket is superior to the insulated glasses that are there in other windows. In the most recent version of Pella, the insulated glass is combined with a third glazed panel. I saw this displayed at the International Builders Show.
If what you compare are the same things, then the energy efficiency of the windows by and large is the same. And this is what really matters to you. Take a look particularly at the rating numbers. These numbers refer to the R-value of the glass which is measured at the edges of the glass and its centre. Different windows have different ratings. They may also vary considerably.
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