First of all, the installation went well and was completed in just two days.  The crew was very friendly, knowledgeable, and cleaned up nicely.  There was some inconvenience, in that we had to move furniture and other items away from the openings, especially when the window sizes were being changed.  Also, someone had to be home to let the crew in, and watch the cats.

The installation was well done, certainly in comparison with the original windows.  They are all tight to the outside trim, and the inside and outside are well caulked.  This should prevent air leakage and water intrusion that was occurring before.

As far as energy use differences, it has been hard to tell.  Penguin promises a 40% reduction in heating and cooling costs.  The weather has warmed up considerably since the installation, so the air conditioner is still running as much as it was before.  I will need to compare the costs for the next few months to the same period last year to see if there has been any significant changes.

As a homeowner, I am pleased with the quality of the windows and the installation.  We will have to see if the promised energy savings materialize over the next few months.

Some of the features of the remodel include:

• Preserving existing teak trim, mirrors, stone vanities and tubs.
• Using Forest Stewardship Council certified wood that adheres to all the practices of the Smartwood Rainforest Alliance.
• 40% recycled content tile on the walls and floors.
• Use of LED lighting custom designed by Eleek Lighting and Design.
• Shower heads that reduce water usage by 10 to 20 percent.
• Toilets that will reduce water usage by 50 percent.
• Approximately 95%, by volume, of the debris from the bathroom demolition was donated to Portland’s ReBuilding Center, the largest non-profit building materials resource in North America.

The Heathman is not new to sustainability and conservation.  It was one of Portland’s first hotels to receive incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon for energy efficiency upgrades.  It also participates in Pacific Power’s Blue Sky program, purchasing 30 percent of its electricity from Blue Sky renewable sources.  Chris Erickson, the Heathman’s general manager, said, “We are thrilled to team with AMAA (Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects), a company that shares our sustainable values and commitment to community.  They’ve helped to take our existing sustainability efforts to the next level.”

The Heathman’s guests are invited to see, and experience, how luxury and sustainability can coexist.