Window replacements turn into real savings with Energy Trust of Oregon

As the original windows at Nolan Ridge Apartments in Keizer lost their seal over time, residents began reporting unwanted drafts and moisture in their units. After looking into the issue, Princeton Property Management concluded that a large-scale exterior rehab project was necessary to improve resident comfort and make the property more energy efficient.

Having previously worked with Lifetime Exteriors to complete window and siding replacements at other Princeton Property Management properties, Gabe Tatz, the portfolio manager at Princeton Property Management, brought the contractor on board for the Nolan Ridge Apartments project. As an Energy Trust of Oregon trade ally, Lifetime Exteriors helped ensure the window upgrade would qualify for cash incentives. “Working with someone who’s experienced with Energy Trust is great because it takes some responsibility off your plate,” said Tatz. With a shared focus on resident comfort and long-term quality, Kimberly McCafferty, director of business development at Lifetime Exteriors, worked with Tatz to identify the best window options for the project.

 “We were looking at the best materials and Energy Trust’s help was what allowed Princeton Property Management to choose these windows knowing that incentives would subsidize this huge investment,” McCafferty said. In total, the window upgrade qualified for $63,000 in cash incentives.

With the new windows in place, Tatz rests easy knowing residents no longer have to deal with failing seals and drafts. “There are far fewer complaints about comfort now,” he said. “We’ve noticed there’s less condensation forming on the windows inside, too.”

By improving the efficiency of the property, Princeton Property Management and residents now see combined energy savings of nearly $20,000 per year. Helping residents save money while also reducing operational costs made the upgrade a clear win-win. “Windows can sometimes get overlooked, but it’s huge when you install a great product,” Tatz said. “At the end of the day, this whole exterior facelift was to benefit our residents and keep the property protected for the long term.”

Now that the project at Nolan Ridge Apartments is complete, Tatz only has positive things to say. “Energy Trust offers substantial incentives that you don’t want to miss out on,” he said. “Do your due diligence and look into your options, especially if you’re taking on a large-scale project.” McCafferty shares a similar sentiment. “Check in with Energy Trust before starting any project,” she said. “Early communication can help make qualifying for incentives as seamless as possible.”

Learn more about how Energy Trust makes window upgrades more affordable for multifamily properties.

For more information, email multifamily@energytrust.org or call 1.877.510.2130.