Windows

Windows, siding and exterior finishes

Window upgrades can be extremely expensive and actually cost you money if you have a typical window and siding firm do it. After all, how can they afford to pay for all those commercials if they aren’t making a killing at what they are doing? There are cheaper methods of installing new windows that will save you thousands and actually provide significant returns for the project over their life in energy savings. Energy efficient windows conserve energy and lower costs by regulating heat loss or gain through conduction, convection, radiation and air leakage. Typically windows are 10% of wall space but lose 30% to 40% of the heat entering or leaving your home from leaking or poor performance. In fact, up to 60% of heat loss in the home can occur through old single pane aluminum windows. Replacement of these older windows provides a good return on investment when installed at lower costs. A whole house heat and cooling load calculation can quickly tell you if spending thousands of dollars on window upgrades and what kind of glazing is your best solution or if simply adding storm windows at a far lesser cost is most efficient. Storm windows range from simple plastic sheeting used for one season, to triple-track glass units with low-e coatings that offer many years of service. A simple evaluation can save you thousands of dollars, determine what option is most beneficial and calculate how long it will take to recoup your initial investment cost. Other benefits include increased comfort, higher resale value and a smaller heating and cooling system when it requires replacement. Thus, window replacement makes dollars and cents when done cost effectively. Let us help you determine the right mix of coatings, tints, frame material and the number of panes that are best suited for your climate and structure that will provide the greatest return on investment.

These same principals apply to new siding and exterior finishes as well as various options of insulation available with each. There is aluminum, vinyl and wood siding, EIFS and brick all of which have various strengths and weaknesses and should be applied properly to maximize their lifespan and energy saving potential. In addition, proper use of these materials reduces maintenance and replacement costs as heat, water, UV and weather all play a factor in deciding the proper location and application of each. We can help you in these decisions from new home construction to renovating existing structures.

As a result of the current stimulus bill, homeowners can now claim a tax credit of up to $1,500 for upgrading their primary residence with energy efficient appliances and building components, such as exterior windows, doors and skylights. This way, homeowners can reduce their income tax by up to thirty percent of the purchase price (not including installation costs) for qualified products installed.

http://www.efficientwindows.org/taxcredit/taxcredit.cfm