Above: Enjoy a view of the beach through energy-efficient ThermaStar 20 Series vinyl replacement windows by Pella Windows & Doors. For a dealer near you, visit www.pella.com.
attractive windows, doors, shades and shutters add
to your home’s appeal and subtract from your energy bill
BY harvey marks
Thinking green by installing energy-efficient doors and windows is something any homeowner can feel good about but not just because of the benefits to the environment. Saving energy also can be very good for your pocketbook. Research shows that homeowners who replace single-pane glass windows can save $125 to $340 on their annual heating and cooling costs, and there are comparable, or in some cases, even greater savings for doors.
FEDERAL INCENTIVES
If that’s not enough of an inducement, the federal government wants to make the proposition even more attractive by offering tax credits of up to $500 when you choose energy-efficient building products for your home-improvement projects.
Here’s how it works: When you upgrade your exterior windows in the two-year period between Jan. 1, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2007, you get to deduct 10 percent of the product cost up to $200. For exterior doors, the deduction also is 10 percent, but the maximum amount rises to $500.
Your accountant can supply full details, but keep in mind that a tax credit is actually more valuable than a tax deduction. A tax deduction reduces the amount of your income that’s subject to taxes. This $500 tax credit gets deducted from the amount you actually pay.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Choosing energy-efficient replacement windows and doors can be a bit tricky if you don’t know the nomenclature. But fortunately, you only need to learn
a few essential terms.
For starters, pay attention to U-factor ratings. These ratings are found on standardized labels and measure the amount of heat that flows through
a product. The lower the U-factor number, the more energy efficient the product is.
You also should look for products that carry the ENERGY STAR seal of approval. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary labeling program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. Qualified products are guaranteed to exceed minimum federal standards for energy consumption or have other important energy-saving features.
Consider low-emissivity (Low-E) glass for your windows and doors. Low-E refers to a transparent metallic coating applied to one surface of insulating glass. In the winter, Low-E treated glass reflects interior heat back into the home to help reduce heating bills. In the summer, it decreases the amount of heat that can enter your home and helps with cooling costs.
WHAT TO BUY
Replacement windows and doors are available in numerous styles with a wide range of attractive options. Jeld-Wen, the world's leading manufacturer of windows and doors, offers several product lines to help maximize energy savings and meet the criteria for a tax credit.
Simonton Windows manufactures high-quality vinyl windows and patio doors that are guaranteed to resist pitting or peeling to keep their beautiful appearance for years to come.
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RESOURCES
BMC MILLWORKS
16002 Tomball Parkway
281.564.2512
www.bmcwest.com
CLEAR CHOICE USA WINDOWS
9000 Clay Road
713.462.1850
www.clearchoiceusa-houston.com
CREATIVE BLINDS
9401 Katy Freeway
713.465.2005
CREATIVE CUSTOM BLINDS
5808 Kirby Drive
713.667.5200
GROGAN BUILDING SUPPLY
2419 Yale St.
713.862.6623
THE HOME DEPOT
www.homedepot.com
MAYECO MAGNETIC WINDOWS
800.627.8061
PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS
8700 Fallbrook, 281.807.4222
4252 Richmond Ave., 713.572.6444
www.pella.com
R&A SPECIALTIES
512.288.6017
800.924.2320
www.magnetite.net
RENAISSANCE WINDOWS & DOORS
4026 Old Katy Road, Suite 158
713.863.9988
www.renaissancewindowsand
doors.com
SIMONTON WINDOWS
www.simonton.com
SUNBURST SHUTTERS
6125 W. Sam Houston Parkway
Suite 104
713.896.8150
TEXAS WINDOWS & DOORS, INC.
908 Town & Country Blvd., Suite 120
713.984.7543
texaswindowsanddoors.net
WALLPAPERS TO GO
9311 Katy Freeway, Suite H
713.932.1466
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