Ask the Expert: Airetite Windows Doors Siding

	Ask the Expert
	With Airetite's exclusive Ask the Expert Section we provide customers with answers to frequently asked questions and specific inquiries to ensure that our customers have the knowledge required to make a purchase that can be enjoyed for years to come.
	Window & Door Glossary How to choose the proper vinyl replacement window Take Control - An Airetite Investment
	Tip of the Month
		Peoples Gas, the gas company for Chicago city residents, said customer bills will rise on average of 10 percent over a year ago. Nicor Gas, which serves many suburban Chicago customers, said it expects customer's total winter bills to rise 12.1 percent over last winter. © 2003 Chicago Sun-Times
	Why Airetite?
	It All Makes Cents Beautiful Airetite E Series windows will instantly brighten up your home, both inside and outside. With an unlimited number of options, homeowners can individualize their homes with unique designs showing a true pride of ownership. Easy Maintenance free vinyl never needs to be painted, and can be simply wiped clean. Airetite E Series windows also conveniently lilt in or pop out at the touch of a finger for accessing the outside glass. Valuable Airetite E Series windows can reduce fuel costs and put money back in your pocket! Airedte windows will also add value to your home. A recent survey in Remodeler Magazine shows that new windows will recoup 77% of their value on a national average, which means that the value of your home will increase by 80% of the cost of your windows! Safe Our homes are our safe havens. A place to relax and feel comfortable with our families. Airetite E Series windows help defend against break-in attempts with stronger glass and metal reinforced frames. Additionally, tempered glass units prevent accidental cuts and lacerations from broken glass.
	Shopping Tips
	What to look for in a window company • Dealer with on-site service department • Skilled, experienced craftsmen • AAA Rating with Better Business Bureau • Licensed, bonded and insured • Quality control foreman on site • Available references Beware of: "The Corner Cutter " • Salespeople who spend very little time on your estimate. This is the most common sales strategy. No samples to show, just a number to order and a quote written on the back of a business card or brochure. This method enables dealers to quote you the lowest price. Remember, you get what you pay for. It's very common in the industry for a window dealer to take a low priced agreement, then switch the product level without the customer's knowledge! By doing this, they can stretch out their profit. Window dealers, such as the above, will always cut corners on the quality of the product level and/or the installation in your home. Beware of: "The Pressure Pitch" • Salespeople who exert a lot of pressure or offer you special deals if you sign today! "Pressure Pitchers" force you to make decisions before you feel comfortable. This sales approach usually comes from telemarketers at night or dealers that spend up to 3 hours selling you on their top-of-the-line product only. They are trained to pressure you to sign the contract at the first sitting. Expect your quote to be 4 times the regular price! Intentional sticker shock. They hope you'll sign up at that price. If you don't agree to that price they will negotiate with their manager to get you a "special" deal. Of course, you'll have to sign today. If you still decline they will offer to reduce their price again for using your home as a picture reference. After all of these price reductions, guess what? The total price is still up to 200% higher than the going rate! Many times the consumer actually receives a lower grade product than the one they were shown. Note: All levels of windows are designed to look the same! "Pressure Pitchers" don't care about repeat business. They want your sale now, and usually will offer to remortgage your home to do it! Search for: " Informative Customer Care " • Window dealers who don't rush your decision, and answer any questions you have on the spot. Don't be discouraged, there are a few great companies out there. These dealers will sell you the window that is right for you and vour budget. Be prepared to talk through the many different levels of product and what features are important to your specific application. Make sure you understand the differences in quality, reliability and safety of your choices. The information within this book should provide a great starting point to build on with your dealer. Remember: Don't be afraid to ask questions!
	What is the U factor?
	U factor or U value is a measurement of heat transmission. The U value of a window is measured by the number of BTU's that will pass through each square foot of area per degree of temperature difference from one side of the window to the other (the lower, the better). U value = the number 1 divided by the R value.
	What is the R value?
	R value is a measurement of heat resistance (the higher, the better). R value = the number 1 divided by the U value.
	What is tempered glass?
	tempered glass is glass that has first been cut to size, then heated to a very high temperature and then rapidly brought back to room temperature. It will withstand severe punishment from a blunt object; however, any pointed object will break the glass instantly and the glass will crumble into many, very small pieces. Typical applications include a car’s side and back windows, sliding glass doors, and entrance doors.
	Do you offer anything besides a white frame?
	Yes! The TRAWOOD® finish on the interior of TRACO’s vinyl and Power Two window series, gives you the best looking and most durable window on the market. TRAWOOD® lets you have the beauty and warmth of wood throughout your home without giving up the unmatched durability of vinyl. TRAWOOD® will not crack, warp, blister, flake or twist – it is an intelligent and superior alternative to wood.
	Can windows really lower my energy bills?
	Yes! If your windows are more than 10 years old, you are probably losing valuable heat and/or air conditioning through them every day! How? Windows can lose heat in three major ways: through the glass, around the sides of the window and from conduction that occurs through the window frame. The end result? In the winter, you end up constantly trying to heat the air from the outside! And in the summer, your air conditioning system has to work twice as hard trying to cool it!
	How can I stop condensation from forming on my windows?
	Condensation, or fog, on windows is actually caused by humidity, or water vapor. Humidity is present in almost all air. When this water vapor comes in contact with a surface that is at a cooler temperature, the vapor turns to visible droplets of liquid, or condensation. So, how do you stop condensation? • Use a dehumidifier. • Make sure your windows are well ventilated and that air is blowing across the surface of the windows • Keep your mini-blinds open to help increase ventilation and air movement. • Reduce the amount of plants near your windows. • Use exhaust fans when you are cooking.

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