PELLA, IA – Continuing its reputation for high-quality, energy-efficient windows and doors, three Pella window product lines were rated as "Best Buys" for replacement windows in the September/October 2010 issue of Consumers Digest magazine, reaching an estimated 1.2 million people.  

ThermaStar by Pella 20 Series and Encompass by Pella windows were named "Best Buys" in Consumers Digest's economy replacement window category, and the Pella Architect Series Precision Fit^® line earned a "Best Buy" honor in the midrange category for clad-wood windows. 

"These honors reflect the outstanding work of Pella's team members who continue to create stylish, highly energy-efficient products," said Elaine Sagers, vice president, marketing and customer support at Pella. "These Consumers Digest "Best Buy" awards are yet another example of the Pella team's longtime leadership in innovation, as we help customers create better views in their homes and businesses through the addition of new Pella^® Windows."

The "Best Buy" rankings are based on performance ratings, quality of construction and materials, ease of operation and warranty. According to the article, the "Best Buy" selections were limited to vinyl and clad-wood units because they account for about 80 percent of the U.S. replacement-window market. 

Vinyl windows feature energy-efficient glass
The ThermaStar by Pella 20 Series windows – a repeat selection – were named a "Best Buy" because it is the least expensive replacement window that has low-emissivity, or Low-E, glass as a standard glazing feature, according to the Consumers Digest article. 

Encompass by Pella windows provide identical energy-savings benefits and also was rated as a "Best Buy". Both vinyl product lines offer these features:

• U-factor of 0.33 (measurement of how much heat a window will retain)
• Solar heat-gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.28 (measurement of how much heat from the sun the window will block)
• Almond or White color choices
• Awning, casement, radius, single-hung or single-slider styles

Clad-wood windows can help save energy
The Architect Series Precision Fit window – also a repeat selection – was named a "Best Buy" because "no other aluminum-clad window in the midrange price has a better warranty or a lower U-factor rating," according to Consumers Digest. Architect Series Precision Fit windows offer the following features: 

• U-factor of 0.31
• SHGC of 0.28
• Brown, tan or white color choices 
• Pine as the interior wood
• Awning, casement, single-slider or transom styles
• 20-year glazing warranty, 10-year warranty for cladding and other components

Source: Pella Corporation