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| October Savings on Replacement Windows |
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| October 11, 2010 - Windows |
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| Federal tax credits set to expire by end of year |
(ARA) - Putting off that home improvement project? Waiting too long could be detrimental to your wallet.
On Dec. 31, the federal tax credit worth up to $1,500 for energy-efficient home improvements will expire, leaving procrastinating homeowners out in the cold - or at least chilly from their old, drafty windows.
In addition to tax credit savings, many window sellers are offering savings on qualifying windows during October, which happens to be National Energy Awareness month.
"The timing couldn't be better for value shoppers to make the investment into new energy efficient windows for their homes," says Erin Johnson, window expert for Edgetech I.G. "Special offers and tax credits will add up through December, but the long-term savings on energy bills will be long-lasting if consumers do their homework to find the right windows to meet all of their needs."
Shopping for replacement windows
The first rule of thumb when shopping for new sustainable windows is to understand what the labels mean, and to read them carefully. Windows that bear the ENERGY STAR label are proven to reduce heating and cooling costs, and are National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) approved for U-factor (the rate of heat loss through the window) and solar heat gain (how well the window blocks heat from the sun).
To meet the federal tax credit requirements, windows must achieve a .30 U-factor and .30 solar heat gain coefficient, and this information should be clearly marked on the windows. But to ensure the long-term performance of replacements, there are a number of other factors that should be considered, including condensation resistance.
"The existence of condensation on windows is a sign that a window is inefficient," Johnson says. "This can even occur in newer, poorly constructed windows and will lead to other problems, including mold and damage to curtains, walls, carpet and the window itself. Most importantly, moisture can lead to seal failure and the need to replace the entire window system."
Some NFRC labels include condensation resistance (CR), which is reported on a scale from one to 100, and measures the ability of a product to resist formation of condensation on the interior surface of the product. The higher the CR rating, the better that product is at resisting condensation formation. While this rating cannot predict condensation, it can provide a credible method of comparing the potential of various products for condensation formation. This rating is not required to be posted on new windows - so be sure to do your homework if it isn't there.
The primary component to watch for to prevent condensation is the spacer - the window component that separates and seals the two panes of glass. According to the NFRC, an important step toward reducing the potential for condensation is the use of a warm edge spacer system that reduces the conductivity through the edge of the window.
"Non-metal, dual-sealed warm edge spacer systems, such as Super Spacer, are less conductive than metal spacers, which leads to less condensation in insulating glass windows," Johnson says. "Because of its all-foam, no-metal design, Super Spacer offers the highest condensation resistance in the industry."
According to Johnson, all-foam spacers have other benefits that will ensure the long-term energy performance of replacement windows. "Rigid, metal spacers do not bend, so over time stress from wind, snow and barometric pressure changes can cause the seal to crack. A flexible spacer will expand and contract with weather changes, keeping the seal intact and the window performing longer," she says.
A survey conducted by the Alliance to Save Energy found that 64 percent of homes in the U.S. have single-pane windows, which contribute up to 35 percent of energy wasted in buildings. In cold climates, energy-efficient, dual-pane windows with low-e coatings can reduce heating bills by as much as 34 percent. In warm climates, they can cut cooling costs by 38 percent.
For more energy-efficient window buying tips and tax credit information, visit www.sustainaview.com.
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| The Benefits of Replacing Old Windows |
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| July 02, 2010 - Windows |
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| By Keith Smallwood |
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Replacing old windows brings a range of benefits and advantages, but at the same time there is the issue of cost plus you don't want modern looking windows to spoil the aesthetic appearance of your home. It pays to take time to research the needs that you have plus the products available on the market which will meet your specific criteria. Once you have a good grasp of what you need and are looking for, you are in a much better position to find a contractor who can deliver on the job. Appearance Simply having a new look is not what many people are actually looking for. It is more important that the windows complement the curb appeal of the property, and strangely enough, this may mean choosing windows which actually set-off the "aged" appearance of your home. It is pointless fitting new windows which detract from a Victorian appearance or façade unless they actually suit the character and style of the building itself. This said, there is a lot of curb appeal generated by replacing old, discolored or broken windows with brand new ones which look modern. Fitting new windows is one of the best features to address when improving the overall look of any home. Maintenance Windows are subject to the elements and take the full brunt of rain, snow, heat and temperature together with wind and anything else that is thrown against your home. They are also going to be used by your family and opening and closing them will also lead to wear and tear. Nothing can be put through the punishment meted out to your windows and not require regular attention if it is to function well. New windows, constructed from modern materials and methods offer low maintenance options, particularly if you choose vinyl replacement windows. New windows also offer modern opening mechanisms which are usually much easier to operate (especially for the infirm or disabled) and do not require any attention from the homeowner. In short - a simple wash down with a cloth and warm soapy water is usually all that is required for modern replacement windows. Insulation A common reason for replacing old windows is to improve the thermal efficiency of your home, and while this is perfectly true and a major financial incentive for fitting new windows, one aspect is also frequently ignored - the benefits of enhanced sound insulation. Fitting replacement windows will enhance the thermal efficiency of your home which means you will lose less heat in winter and equally, it will help keep you cooler in the hot summer. Both these facts means that you will incur reduced energy costs in heating and cooling your home. Finally, modern replacement windows use state of the art manufacturing techniques and raw materials which are specifically designed to optimize insulation benefits. Not only will you enjoy reduced power bills, but you will usually notice a significant reduction in noise from outside your home as improved sound insulation significantly decreases the impact of noise pollution. Keith Smallwood is the president of Creative Energy Exteriors, a Richmond siding contractor and provider of Richmond home improvement services and products such as Richmond Infinity by Marvin windows. Creative Energy Exteriors can be found online at: CreativeEnergyExteriors.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Smallwood
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