Posts Tagged ‘Energy Efficient Windows’

As you may already know, the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency have teamed up to offer tax rebates for Americans to replace their windows, doors and skylights with more efficient models.   These ENERGY STAR qualified products can reduce a home’s energy bill up to 15% and protect the environment as well.   There are local rebates and Federal Tax rebates available.

As of January 4, 2010, new performance levels for ENERGY STAR windows, doors and skylights will go into effect. There will now be two different labels to choose from.  A black or red label means that the products are qualified until March 31, 2010, but that after that they will not meet the new energy requirements:

The blue label identifies products that are still eligible for the $1,500 tax credit:

For the best prices and installation on energy efficient house windows, contact InstallAmerica.net!

Home prices hit bottom in 2009, and it seems like a great time to get a deal on a new home, except that it is also harder for people to move because they can’t sell their house, and especially they can’t get the price for their house that they would like. So many people have turned to home improvement projects to make their homes more livable and functional until housing prices rebound.

Stores like Home Depot have reported increases in building materials and tools. People are trying to save money by doing these home improvement projects themselves, like tiling, painting and customizing closets.  One home improvement project that is guaranteed to increase the value of a home is replacing windows with vinyl energy efficient windows.

This is a job that is worth paying for though.  Replacing windows is messy and needs to be done with precision, and experts are already set up with the proper tools, waste containers, and know-how to do a great job.

All the homeowner really needs to do is compare vinyl window prices and choose a contractor to install them.  Vinyl window prices are relatively inexpensive when compared to the tax break initiative offered, the savings in energy costs, and the increase in the worth of the home.

If we could physically see the energy seeping through our windows when we looked out, we would be much more inclined to install vinyl replacement windows that meet Energy Star Ratings and really insulate your windows. Since we can’t really see the dollars moving out through our old windows, perhaps some statistics will help demonstrate the actual savings.  For this I’ve visited the energystar.gov website and browsed through several pages of estimated savings.   First I should explain the program though.

On August 29, 2003, the government set four climate zones for windows, doors and skylights. The goal of the ENERGY STAR program is to increase the efficiency of the nation’s use of energy. You can go to the energystar.gov website to see the savings PDF, and it shows that national annual savings by using phase 2 Energy Star Windows, Doors and Skylights will save the US 11.4 million dollars.

The criteria are divided into 4 zones because weather conditions warrant different levels of penetration and U glass to be the most efficient. Heat savings are due to U-factor improvements. Cool savings are mostly due to penetration.

The website states that For a typical home, ENERGY STAR windows will save:

* $126–$465 a year when replacing single-pane windows
* $27–$111 a year over double-pane, clear glass replacement windows

So it is easy to see how the idea to install vinyl replacement windows can really save you money, save the entire nation money, and make our earth a greener place so that it can be preserved for future generations.

Last February a new law for tax credits made it easier for American homeowners to afford vinyl replacement windows. This bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, extends tax credits for energy efficient windows, doors, and skylights established in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

To quote the bill, “To qualify for the tax credit, windows, doors, and skylights placed in service after February 17, 2009 and before December 31, 2010 must have a U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) less than or equal to 0.30.” The good news is that many vinyl replacement windows qualify as ENERGY STAR, and will meet these criteria.

This just makes it so much more affordable for home owners to make the investment in installing vinyl replacement windows.  The windows do double duty, saving you money too.  Once you get them installed and get the tax break, they work to save you money on your energy bills.  In addition installing vinyl replacement windows will cut your home maintenance costs too because you don’t have to sand and paint the outside window trim.

We have had our new energy efficient house windows that we ordered through Install America for only a short time.  However, we are so pleased with our new replacement windows PA, and the windows prices that we will be ordering more replacement windows from Install America this month.

If you’re living with old single-pane windows and are looking for an affordable and efficient window replacement option, vinyl replacement windows are the best and most affordable way to update your house’s energy performance.  Especially if you live in an older building, vinyl replacement windows can dramatically increase energy efficiency and keep your home interior at a comfortable internal temperature.  Vinyl windows are also extremely affordable and customizable.  Non-vinyl windows (or fiberglass windows) are sometimes twice as expensive as vinyl replacement windows.

What are Vinyl Replacement Windows?

Vinyl Replacement Windows can be quickly installed without any disturbance to the existing exterior siding or interior drywall, and easily fit within existing window openings.  Vinyl replacement windows keep warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer.  While you may experience slight air leakage around the framing gaps and window openings, vinyl replacements are significantly more energy efficient then old types of windows, which only have single-panes.

When choosing vinyl replacement windows for your home, there are a few variables to consider when making your decision:

• Environmental Factors
• Aesthetics
• Pricing
• Energy Efficiency

What Benefits do Vinyl Replacement Windows Offer?

Energy efficient windows save you money on heating and cooling and in turn use less energy to heat or cool your home.  In that aspect, vinyl replacement windows are good for the environment.  Your home will be able to maintain an ideal internal temperature and you’ll be able to enjoy a more comfortable living space with no drafts.

As previously mentioned, vinyl windows feature double, sometimes triple paned glass to keep air and moisture out, resulting in a consistent interior temperature.  The moisture barrier prevents mold and allergens from making it into your living space, providing a healthier environment for children and people suffering from allergies.

Vinyl windows have moderate to high “R-Values” meaning they’re more resistant to heat flow.  The “R-Value” measures how efficient a window is at insulating—the higher the “R-Value” the better the insulation abilities.  When purchasing windows, look for a high “R-Value”.  The “U-Factor” or “U-Value” tells you how quickly the window allows heat to escape, so the lower the “U-Factor” the better.  A vinyl replacement window with a high “R-Value” and a low “U-Factor” is a top-performing window.

Vinyl windows are extremely durable, long lasting, and can be easily customized in a wide selection of sizes and styles of your choice.  There are products available for every style and budget.  Vinyl is also naturally scratch resistant and highly durable.  Vinyl cannot be painted so your window units will not need to be scraped or stained.  Whether you’re considering vinyl replacement windows for aesthetic reasons, energy efficiency, affordability, or their ease of installation and maintenance, they’re your best option on the window market.

If you are thinking about replacing the windows in your home, then you will be well served by learning more about Protector Windows.  Unlike single pane windows, these units come with three panes of glass, and other features that make them extremely energy efficient.  At the same time, they offer many other benefits that you simply cannot obtain when you make use of conventional windows.

Enjoy the Benefits of UV Protection

Chances are, you would never buy contact lenses or glasses without a UV coating on them. As you may be aware, UV light causes cataracts, as well as many other eye problems.  In a similar way, when this form of light hits your furniture, walls, and carpets, it cases fading.  Therefore, if you want all those special colors to look good for as long as possible, you will be well served by making use of windows with a UV protection coating in them.  Fortunately, Protector windows usually come with this coating.

Insulation Without Walls

Typically, many people would prefer to be outdoors because of the sunlight.  In fact, many people routinely become depressed during the winter months because the days are shorter.  On the other hand, large windows often come with a larger heating and cooling bill.  When you purchase protector windows, you can enjoy having insulated windows that will provide almost as much insulation value as the walls of your home.  If you choose windows that have gas filled layers, you will be able to enjoy even more energy saving benefits.

Therefore, if you want a large picture window in your living room, you can have one installed Without worrying about bigger energy bills.  You may even decide that you want to install larger windows in your kitchen, or other rooms that can be used for window gardens.   At the very least, when you use Protector Windows, you won’t need to constantly rely on curtains to trap heat.

Get Rid of Outdoor Noises

When you first move into a new home, it will take you some time to adapt to new noises.   Even though you may learn how to tune these sounds out, it does not mean they aren’t creating an impact on your unconscious mind.  Therefore, you will still build up stress and other problems caused by noises coming from outdoors.  By contrast, when you install protector windows, most of these sounds will never get through.  Without a question, you will enjoy true peace and quiet that will enable you to relax and enjoy your home.

Not so long ago, people began looking for new ways to lower heating cost Without sacrificing light provided by windows.  At the same time, researchers were also discovering that UV light causes damage to human health, as well as home decorations.  Today, Protector windows provide you with an opportunity to solve a number of problems.  In particular, you can enjoy their insulative and sound blocking properties.  If you do not need to wear glasses, you can also have peace of mind knowing that the light entering your eyes will not cause cataracts and other kinds of damage.