The 62-year old building housing The Swain School in Allentown, Pa., underwent a major energy-efficiency renovation project during the summer of 2013. The school’s original oil-heated boiler was replaced with gas-heated boilers. New energy-efficient air-conditioning units and light fixtures were installed. And more than 250 old single-pane aluminum windows were replaced with energy-efficient Simonton Reflections 5500 vinyl windows.
“There was no ‘summer break’ for anyone on campus this year,” says Bob Haas, associate head for finance and operations at The Swain School. “Everyone focused on completing the ambitious building and grounds project to improve energy efficiency before the students came back in early September.”
The double-glazed windows come standard with ProSolar Low E glass and Argon gas fill. The low-maintenance windows replace some original windows in the structure from 1951 along with others that were installed in the 1980s.
“The Simonton windows we selected are all ENERGY STAR qualified, which was a major influence in our purchasing decision,” Haas adds. “These new windows have greatly enhanced the appearance of our school and will help us reduce our energy bills, increase comfort, reduce outside noise penetration into the building and decrease our cleaning time.”
The school’s current campus opened in 1951 with 91 students and nine teachers. Today, The Swain School has more than 300 students and a faculty and staff of more than 80 professionals. Classes are held for children in preschool through eighth grade.
The multitude of energy-efficient upgrades made to the school during the summer impact classrooms; three state-of-the-art technology labs; a gym and performing arts center; science labs; offices; and special activity areas for art, music and drama.
“We used Simonton vinyl windows before for a small project at The Swain School and thought they were quality windows at a very reasonable price,” says Haas. “Our previous positive experience with Simonton products led us to use them again for this major renovation. It was especially impressive that our local Reeb Millwork contacts could work so swiftly to measure the multitude of window openings, place the orders and have Simonton manufacture the needed windows all within a matter of just a few short weeks.”
The Reflections 5500 series of vinyl windows featuring a classic frame design and are available in a vast selection of styles.
“Everyone is pleased with our new windows,” says Haas. “We’re constantly getting positive feedback, and we definitely notice a difference in comfort and sound reduction. These are ideal windows for a school setting.”