Other than a few of the most common promotional offerings — interest-free financing and a drawing for a $2,500 discount — the president of the new Renewal by Andersen of Long Island replacement window showroom says there’s no real reason for grand-opening gimmicks.
“We’re finding that windows are a need item,” says Joe Ronzino, who runs the new Renewal by Andersen showroom in Farmingdale. “The Andersen product is efficient and desirable, and ever since we opened on Long Island we’ve been growing steadily.”
Ronzino, 56, of Wading River, says the latest financial crunch seems to have had little effect on installations. Renewal, which has frames of Fibrex — made from recycled wood fibers and thermoplastic — is the Andersen line of replacement windows, specifically designed for remodeling. They typically run 20 percent more than high-end vinyl windows but cost less than architectural wood-frame windows.
“We’ve been averaging 50 to 60 installations per month since mid-April,” he said, “and I think people figure that windows are a good investment. There’s a measure of energy efficiency, and you build equity in the home, and new Andersen windows, we feel, can be a selling feature.”
According to studies by some cold-weather states, as much as 40 percent of a home’s heat loss can be traced to old windows and doors. The Renewal windows are Energy Star rated and Green Seal certified.
The company, which has 15 employees and its own installation crews, is celebrating its grand opening each weekend this month — beginning Saturday — with wine tasting from Long Island vineyards and $20 gas cards for homeowners who schedule in-home consultations.
--Gary Dymski