ConstructionDeal.com Update

Now more than ever, people need to watch every penny. But if you own a home that still has the original windows in it, you might as well be throwing money out of them. Windows are not like your walls that have insulation inside to protect you from the elements.

A single pane of glass in an old window will transfer 85% of the heat energy within a room to the cold air outside.

There have been significant advances in window technology over the past decade and it goes beyond just dual pane replacement windows. There are low-e (emissivity) coatings to help lower the heat transfer of glass. Many manufacturers are putting an insulating gas, like Argon, in between panes to aid efficiency.


If you're window shopping, look for the sticker on the window that shows how well the window performs when it comes to energy efficiency.

The sticker will contain details on the U-factor, Solar Heat Gain, Visible Transmittance, Air Leakage, and Condensation Resistance.

• U-Factor - the number usually ranges from .20 to 1.20. The lower the number, the better the window is as retaining heat.
  
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient - this number tells how well the window can block incoming heat from the sun. The number ranges from 0 to 1. The lower that number, the better.
  
• VT, or Visible Transmittance - it measures how much light gets in and also runs from 0 to 1. The higher this number is the more daylight - but not heat - gets in so if it's higher it is better.
  
• Air Leakage - the number runs from just 0.1 to 0.3 and tells you how much air can pass, or leak, through the glass. The lower the better here, of course.
  
• Condensation Resistance - measures how susceptible the window is to condensation. The higher the figure, from 1 to 100, the better it is at fighting condensation.

Those are the numbers to look for, or to ask your replacement window contractor about. Another thing to discuss is whether or not the replacement window is covered by the 2009 Federal Stimulus Package. 30% of the cost of your windows, to $1,500, could give a big tax break on energy efficient window installation. Make sure you keep your receipts and the sticker on the windows to verify the right type were installed so you can get your tax credit.

Many fear, during recessionary times, to take the plunge and spend a lot now on windows. They would rather wait. But each winter, more warm air pours out your windows and in the summer... the cool air from your air conditioning is escaping, too.

Utility companies are not in the practice of lowering their rates and the tax incentive to get energy efficient windows means that now is the time. Talk to a window contractor today to see what your options are. Save money on your utility bills today.

Get 4 quotes from window companies. It will save you time. Window installers will call you. And you'll save money because multiple quotes mean you get the best price. ConstructionDeal.com will match you with quality window installation services - at no cost.

Start today and save tomorrow.

Labels: Replacement Windows, Stimulus Package, Window Installers