ENERGY SAVING WINDOW REPLACEMENT TIPS
Country Sunrooms of America - Looking to save money on your soaring energy bills? Then start by evaluating the effectiveness of your home's windows. If you feel air through the windows or see faded areas on your carpet, then your windows may not be working hard enough to keep you and your family comfortable.
"You should evaluate the condition of your windows at the change of every season, if you see unusual moisture or frost buildup on the inside of your window panes or if there are consistent drafts coming in through your windows, those are clear signs it's time to consider a window replacement.”
Assess your windows by checking around them for hot and cold spots or drafty areas, which can indicate energy loss. And make sure to seal up little cracks or gaps where air can leak into your home -- these are usually found around windows and doors, in recessed lighting fixtures and in uninsulated attics and basements.
Most people wouldn't consider leaving a window open all winter long. However, some homes have so many of these gaps that "leaving a window open" is more or less what they're doing.
"Older windows can lose their efficiency. They can actually suck the life and energy out of a home causing heating and cooling bills to soar."
The good news is that replacing your windows is actually an investment in your home that will pay you back immediately with reduced heating and cooling bills.
Moreover, industry advances such as increased energy efficiency and tilt-in hardware for easy cleaning can also increase the resale value of your home, since newly replaced windows can be a prime selling point for prospective buyers.
Even better news is that replacing your windows may put cash back in your pocket. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, homeowners can recoup 10 percent of the cost of replacing their windows (up to $200) when installing energy efficient replacement windows. To receive the tax credit, the replacement windows you select must be ENERGY STAR qualified for the region in which you live.
In addition to looking for drafts and frost, other tips for deciding if it's time to consider a window replacement include the following:
Tip #1 - Look for "burnt out" areas on your furnishings and carpeting where harmful ultraviolet rays have come through the windows and damaged the interior of your home.
Tip #2 - If your windows no longer open or close easily, or if they need to be propped open, the functional aspect of the windows is gone.
Tip #3 - Check the "fit" of your current windows by having someone stand outside your windows at night. With a small flashlight, stand inside and "travel" around the window's seals. If the person outside sees areas of light coming through, this indicates seal failure -- a probable energy loss.
Tip #4 - Look for condensation inside the glass on double- or triple-glazed windows. This could indicate seal failure. If this is the case, you might need to replace the glass or the entire window.
Tip #5 - Check every window and door to make sure there is adequate weather stripping and caulking which will ensure a secure seal around the openings in your home.