Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Optimizing Your Replacement Window Decision

By Keith Klamer


Most homeowners would rather do their income taxes than speak with a home remodeling company about their choices for replacing their old, inefficient windows, even though the long-term ramifications of selecting a replacement window can be considerable in saving money and performance. There are several factors that clearly have to analyzed in order to make a good decision, among them appearance, energy performance, technical performance and price. Going by just one criteria such as energy savings or looks will not serve you well in selecting an efficient replacement window.

For instance, two replacement windows that have identical energy-saving qualities may be very different when it comes to condensation resistance or in the comfort of your home in either very hot or very cold climates. And that's just one aspect to consider!

Yet it's a vital one. To assist consumers in finding energy-saving windows (among many other household items) the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have come up with the now familiar Energy Star logo for products that can pass basic energy-saving tests. Because the energy requirements of homeowners in St. Louis are different than those in Minneapolis or Miami, these tests vary among different climates.

Minimizing energy costs over months and years is but one benefit of purchasing replacement windows. There's another one: tax advantages. Replacement windows, doors and skylights put in over the last few years probably qualify for a 10% federal tax credit. (Installation costs don't qualify.) This credit gives homeowners who bought replacement windows a chance to pay $200 less federal tax and a maximum of $500 for other qualified purchases. Every window, door or skylight which meets ENERGY STAR tests will trigger the tax credit.

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