In the face of economic downturn, energy efficiency is one topic that is hotter than ever with consumers. Green building has also become a prime focus of today’s environmentally conscious homeowner. Combine these issues with a consumer desire for suitable prices and unlimited options and you have a clear view of today’s window market.

As fuel prices continue to rise, energy efficiency weighs heavier than ever on the minds of consumers. But extreme temperatures aren’t the only weather-related concern. Consumers living in regions that face severe windstorms also seek protection from nature.

“When it comes to windows, it’s obvious that clear glass and single-pane glass are ‘out,’ replaced by insulated glass with Low-E coating that helps keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer by reflecting the sun’s UV rays,” says Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella corporate public relations manager.

She explains, “Double-pane and triple-pane glass options are the preferred choice over single-pane windows today, as consumers desire greater energy efficiency to help cut their utility bills and add to the comfortable feeling that energy-efficient windows provide.”

The Visions 1500 from Visions Windows & Doors is an all-vinyl product line that features an integral brick mould and built-in J-channel. Visions 1500 features standard 5/8-in. insulated glass with a Real Warm Edge spacer system. Other glazing options include: Low- 2, EasyCare Low-E2, Sun140 Low-E2, argon in the airspace, high-altitude, bronze and gray tinted, and tempered or obscure glass. Available styles include single-hung, single-slider and direct-set windows in standard or custom sizes.

Denise Bergeland, marketing manager for Hy-Lite Products, says, “We see the top window trends as being an increase of decorative window designs, focus on energy efficiency, windows with a European-look for high-end homes and low-maintenance requests from homeowners.”

With recent hurricane damage still on the minds of consumers, Sid Spear, Simonton Windows vice president sales and marketing, has noticed an “elevated awareness of impact-resistant windows in coastal areas. We are even seeing an interest in areas of the Midwest that often experience intense weather events.”

Simonton has added Horizontal Roller windows to the StormBreaker Plus 300VL Series of impact-resistant products. The vinyl-framed windows have a standard DP50 rating and can be ordered with Solar E solar control glass as an upgrade for Energy Star qualification. Sizes range from a minimum of 25 in. wide by 19 in. high up to a maximum unit size of 73 in. wide by 62 in. high.