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| "Energy-efficient” is the buzz phrase when it comes to many products for your home, especially when it comes to new windows. With everyone looking for ways to save money and energy, investing in new, energy-efficient windows for your home is a great way to do both. Even the government is giving us an added incentive lately with the tax refunds being offered for those who purchase certain energy-efficient windows. How do you know when it is time to buy new windows? Which windows are most effective, and which ones qualify for the tax refund? There are a lot of things to consider before you spend your hard-earned money replacing some or all of the windows in your home. First things first…how do you know if you need new windows? You’ll want to look for the telltale signs. Obviously, if you have any broken or cracked windows you’re going to want to replace them. Also look for rotting wood around the frame. This is an easy way for heat, cold, and water to get into your home. If you do not see broken panes or rotting frames, there are other reasons to replace your windows. Do you have single glass panes that allow heat and cold to infiltrate your home? When you sit near your windows do you feel a draft, or is it noticeably colder in the winter and hotter in the summer? Does condensation build up on the glass? These are all signs that your windows are not doing their job, and you may want to look into newer, more energy-efficient windows. To find which windows are the most energy-efficient, there are two industry rating systems. Windows can be rated with a “U-value” or an “R-value.” The U-value rates how well the window resists transferring heat; the lower the U-value the better. The R-value, on the other hand, rates the insulation properties of the device used; the higher the R-value, the more energy-efficient the item is. Though having energy-efficient windows installed may cost you 10 to 15% more at installation time, they can potentially save you up to 30 to 35% on energy costs. They do this by providing tighter seals that reduce heat loss, preventing drafts and providing added insulation. Today, a window is much more than just a single piece of glass set between a wooden frame. There are so many to choose from—there are even different windows depending on the type of climate you live in. How energy-efficient your windows are depends not only on the glass, but also the frame, the space between the glass panes, and any type of coating applied to the glass. The first thing to consider when investing in new windows is the glass panes. The glass you choose should be low-emittance (“low-e”), which means that the glass is coated with a metallic glaze that reflects heat but is invisible to the eye. It aids in insulating your home, keeping the heat out during the summer and the warm air inside during the winter. The glass may also be tinted to help decrease the window’s temperature when hit by the summer sun. These coatings and tints should not obstruct light or your view through the window. It is most important to have such treatments on windows facing east and west. You should look for windows with two or three panes of glass. The area between these panes is usually filled with Argon gas, which is readily available and fairly inexpensive. Manufacturers also use Krypton, though it is more expensive, or they may use an Argon-Krypton mixture. In some cases, carbon dioxide or sulfur hexafluoride is used. Whatever the case, the gases act as insulation and keep cold or heat from passing through your windows. Another thing to consider when installing windows is the spacer used between the panes of glass. Make sure that the windows you choose do not have a metal spacer between the panes, as metal is a conductor not an insulator. The metal will bring in the hot or cold air and will contribute to condensation around the edge of the window. Wood windows are the most popular and one of the most expensive options on the market. The beauty of natural wood is unrivaled. Wood also acts as a good insulator. However, wood has a tendency to expand and contract with the temperature, and it must be maintained in order to avoid cracks, warping, and sticking. Vinyl windows are becoming more common and with good reason: There is no maintenance involved. Vinyl windows are durable and can withstand the elements better than wood. They are also less expensive and often have a quicker turnaround time than wood windows. Vinyl-clad wood windows bring the best of both worlds together: The beauty of wood on the interior frame, and the durability of vinyl on the exterior. Fiberglass windows are the most energy-efficient option. Since the glass panes and the fiberglass frames are made of virtually the same material, there is little if any expansion and contraction between the frame and the pane. They are extremely durable and environmentally friendly. In both 2009 and 2010, the government has been granting tax credits to homeowners who have replaced their old windows with energy-efficient windows. To qualify for this tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of the windows or $1,500, you must meet the following criteria: Your windows must have been installed in either 2009 or 2010; you must have a signed letter from the manufacturer stating that the windows meet tax refund requirements; the windows must have an NFRC U-factor rating of .30 or less; and they must have an SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) rating of .30 or less. As to which local window replacement business to use, make sure that you work with a reputable company. Ask family and friends for referrals. Be sure to get a detailed estimate of what you can expect from the contractor. Installers should always remove the existing windows, install and wash the new ones, and clean up the work site and dispose of the old windows. Sources for this story included: www.1st-replacement-windows.com/wood-replacement-windows.htm, ideas.reliableremodeler.com, and www.efficientwindows.org. |
Window Replacement Options |
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