Medford, WI – January 20, 2009 – Despite its modest price point, Hurd Windows and Doors’ new H3TM window is achieving energy efficiency ratings to rival the industry’s premium-priced window products. The H3, a new mid-priced window that integrates extruded aluminum cladding, a vinyl base frame and a solid wood interior, has earned an Energy Star® rating of .31 U, which far exceeds the current standard of .35 U.

According to Hurd Director of Product Management, Certification & Architectural Development, Val Brushaber, the H3 will also exceed the more stringent Energy Star standard of .32 U that is to be implemented in April. For consumers, this quantifies into a window that is twice as efficient as those produced 10 years ago, saving them an estimated $125 to $450 a year in energy costs compared to single-paned windows. For builders pursuing a LEED certification, using the H3 product can mean two additional LEED points.

The window’s extreme energy-efficient design is attributed to a number of factors, including a vinyl base frame, fully-sealed corners, a solid wood interior and high-end weather stripping. The efficient base design even allows for the use of extra thick extruded aluminum cladding. Hurd’s exclusive Fusion Technology TM locks it all together to ensure superior energy performance. The H3 also comes standard with Hurd’s ComfortGlazeTM Low-E, double strength glass.

“The superior design of H3 makes it more energy efficient than typical clad-casement windows,” explained Brushaber. “The strong structural aluminum-extruded cladding --used in conjunction with this superior design that combines the wood and vinyl components -- helps to minimize conductivity of the cold and make it much more energy efficient while still maintaining a high level of structural integrity and exterior durability.”

For more information about H3, builders should contact their distributors, visit www.hurd.com or call 1-800-223-4873.

Hurd also offers three complete lines of wood windows and patio doors; each handcrafted to builders’ size, shape and finish specifications. Builders can select from nine different species of wood, up to 11 different hardware finishes and a virtual unlimited number of colors of aluminum cladding. Free anodizing is also available.