When Timing Matters, Choose Replacement Windows First

Homeowners are faced with many choices: with a limited budget and seemingly endless repairs to be done; where do you start?

For many homeowners, it’s clear that the best choice for the first improvement is replacement windows. If you put the qualifying replacement windows in before Dec. 31, 2010, you can qualify for a federal income-tax credit equal to 30 percent of the cost, up to a maximum credit of $1,500. Qualifying replacement windows include wood replacement windows, vinyl replacement windows, and fiberglass replacement windows. Bear in mind that replacement window installation is not the only way to receive this credit. It is also available for other weatherization improvements, including installing replacement doors and insulation.

To qualify, windows must meet strict standards for energy efficiency. Replacement windows, particularly vinyl replacement windows, offer superior energy efficiency than the weak, flimsy windows of days gone by. With rigid frame construction, insulating gas pockets, double and triple pane glass and other features, modern replacement windows can help retain a tremendous amount of warmed air that may have been leaking through older windows. Installing energy-efficient windows might also qualify you for other incentives offered by some states and utility companies.

The thing to keep in mind about qualifying for the federal tax credit is that windows must meet the standards for U factor (control of heat loss from inside the building) and solar heat gain, or a window’s ability to block out the sun’s heat. You’ll want to look for the Energy Star label. Your best bet is to deal with a reputable replacement window manufacturer: Alside, Pella, Champion and Harvey all offer excellent windows. Your replacement window specialist will be able to advise you.

If your house has old single-pane windows, without effective storm windows, new windows should give you a significant saving in heating and cooling costs. Replacement windows also often significantly reduce penetration of outside noise into a building, and most have a tilt-in feature that makes them easy to clean. This is a significant feature for older homeowners, who prefer not to climb ladders in order to clean second story windows. Noise reduction has been noted as significant in reducing the number of sleep-disturbances; important in these stressful times when sleep is hard to come by.