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Alpen News

March 1, 2023

Alpen Zenith Window Series

The R-Value of Windows

by Randy Williams from Northern Built Heat is a funny thing. It wants to move from someplace warm to someplace cold, (the opposite of being a snowbird) and it’ll continue to move until it has reached equilibrium.  In the heat of the summer or cold of winter, that means if we can’t slow the movement

October 3, 2020

Mountains, Atmospheric Pressure and Why There Are Balloons Stuck To Your Windows

Recently, a great article was published in Green Building Advisor about “Windows for High-Altitude Homes”. I asked Maierhofer whether his company’s funny-looking breather tubes and mylar balloons led to any pushback from skeptical installers. He answered, “Well, sometimes it involves an education process.” If you have a membership, you can read the article here. If

August 25, 2019

Window Certifications: What do they mean and why are they important?

People are skeptical, and in today’s world it can be especially difficult to believe much of what we’re told is 100% true. That’s probably a healthy thing! So, how do we know that what we’re being told is the truth—that the window you’re purchasing insulates like it should?   Which Window Certifications…and Why? Certifications provide

August 10, 2019

Triple-Glazed for the Home

Why triple pane windows are the best choice for your home   Windows account for around 12% of a building’s energy use, yet, less than 2% of window sales are energy-efficient triple pane!   One of the reasons for pushback on triple pane/dual chamber windows has been the weight issue: Three pieces of glass weigh

May 22, 2017

Highlands Retreat

A high performance home in the mountains of North Carolina When considering a new home, the owners (Andy and Gayle) wanted to save energy in order to lower energy bills and reduce their use of fossil fuels–as well as preserve some great south-facing views.   When they finally began designing their house, they understood the

April 10, 2017

Three “Starter” Houses to Begin Your Sustainable Lifestyle

Sustainable living can mean adapting social, economic and sustainable practices to every aspect of your life. So, if life needs a heart, and a home is where a heart is—then sustainable living starts with the home!   Here are three amazing and environmentally friendly homes that could kick-start your new sustainable life. Oh, and remember:

January 18, 2017

12 Essential Steps to Net Zero Energy (NZE)

Here’s a great video on “The Twelve Essential Steps to Net Zero Energy“. Thanks to Clifton View Homes on Whidbey Island, WA for doing such a great job describing the basics of NZE.

December 26, 2016

Holiday Energy Savings Tips

The holidays are in full swing! After buying gifts, food, and sending out festive cards, you may be in the mood to save some (cookie) dough. We understand, so we’ve compiled a few energy savings tips for you to consider during this special time of year.   Use LED lights Although slightly more expensive, the

September 29, 2016

Alpen Recognized by Vail Valley Home Magazine

Smart Glass New window technologies make mountain contemporary home design more energy-efficient than ever before Today, many new homes in Vail Valley — especially the high-end, luxury, mountain contemporary residences — are being designed with a whole new ideal in mind, one that visually brings the splendor of the outdoors indoors with vast banks of

May 12, 2016

3 Easy Summer Solutions for Your Windows

Windows can have a negative impact on the energy efficiency of your building, even while providing ventilation, light, and warmth. Luckily, you can be more comfortable and reduce energy costs by following these easy tips.   Improve Existing Windows Easy Solutions In addition to shading, you can improve the energy efficiency of older windows by