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.

Gabe Tatz, the portfolio manager at Princeton Property Management responsible for the upkeep of Nolan Ridge Apartments, understands the importance of proper weatherproofing. He prioritizes upgrades that keep the multifamily properties he oversees in good condition. “The core of the project was enhancing the durability and livability of the property while making residents more comfortable,” he said.

Incentives make better windows easier on the budget
Having previously worked with Lifetime Exteriors to complete window and siding replacements at other Princeton Property Management properties, Tatz 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.

While sticking to a budget means Tatz can’t always select the highest-performing materials, Energy Trust cash incentives made energy-efficient windows a realistic option. “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.

New windows deliver energy savings and added benefits
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.”

Residents have also shared positive feedback about the look and usability of the new windows. “They’re light and easy to open and close,” Tatz said. “That’s one of those things you can take for granted.”

Beyond improved comfort, properly installed windows help prevent structural issues caused by trapped moisture. “The entire exterior project was an opportunity to prevent future issues,” Tatz said. “We are more prepared for maintaining the property going forward, which gives us peace of mind.”

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.”

Qualifying for incentives is simpler with the right partner
Tatz and McCafferty kept the project on track through careful planning and coordination. “From the start, we noted everything Gabe was going to need to submit to get the incentives,” said McCafferty. “We had the window specs and other documentation ready to go as soon as the project wrapped up.”

Tatz found the incentive application process straightforward. “Since Lifetime supplied all the information, like the square footage and window count, in an organized way, all I had to do was fill in the boxes and make sure all the property and ownership details were accurate,” he said.

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.