What does the future of energy-efficient windows and doors look like, and how are manufacturers preparing for the next generation of building performance standards?
In this episode of the Clear Impact Podcast, Sherri Connor sits down with Kevin Vilhauer, Vice President of Product Engineering at MITER Brands, to discuss California Title 24 energy codes, thermal performance, low-E glass technology, and the future of energy-efficient glazing. Kevin explains how MITER Brands and Western Architectural Openings are designing future-ready products that balance comfort, sustainability, customer experience, and long-term durability.
Listeners will gain insight into how window and door dealers, architects, builders, and homeowners can better understand U-factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and the evolving standards shaping the future of residential construction.
What You’ll Learn
How California Title 24 impacts windows and doors
What U-factor and SHGC mean for energy efficiency
Why low-E glass and thermal performance matter in different climates
How MITER Brands engineers products for future code requirements
Why customer education and market feedback drive product innovation
Episode Highlights
01:15 – Kevin Vilhauer explains his role in product engineering across MITER Brands
03:08 – What California Title 24 means for energy-efficient windows and doors
05:42 – Understanding U-factor and why lower numbers matter
07:36 – How SHGC impacts comfort and cooling performance
09:58 – Why California uses 16 climate zones for energy requirements
12:11 – How low-E glass coatings improve thermal performance
14:45 – Designing future-ready products for tomorrow’s energy codes
17:20 – The evolution of Western Architectural Openings and luxury product positioning
19:08 – Kevin shares his favorite MITER Brands DNA statement and leadership philosophy
Meet the Guest
Kevin Vilhauer is the Vice President of Product Engineering at MITER Brands. He works across multiple MITER Brands divisions including Western Architectural Openings, Milgard, MI, PGT, and Anlin, helping lead innovation in energy-efficient windows and doors, thermal performance, and future-focused product engineering.
https://www.westernao.com/
Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned
California Title 24 energy standards
U-factor performance measurement
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Low-E glass technology
Triple glazing solutions
New Product Development (NPD)
Thermal performance engineering
Energy-efficient glazing systems
Closing Insight
“Windows and doors have a very long product cycle life, so we want to make sure they’re future-proofed.” – Kevin Vilhauer
This episode highlights how MITER Brands continues its relentless pursuit of 100% through customer education, operational excellence, and innovative engineering that supports long-term energy efficiency and homeowner comfort.
Subscribe to the Clear Impact Podcast for more conversations about window and door innovation, building performance, and the future of the industry through MITER Brands University.
Clear Impact Podcast
MITER Brands University
Western Architectural Openings
energy-efficient windows and doors
thermal performance
low-E glass
Title 24
energy-efficient glazing
window and door dealers
architects and builders
luxury residential windows
customer education
operational excell...
