Quality House Windows

This year you can get a $1500 government tax credit when you replace your current house windows with energy efficient ones thanks to the 2009 Stimulus Bill that was recently passed.

The bill allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the cost of window replacement on their taxes up to a total of $1500. So if you want to qualify for the full $1500 credit you would have to spend at least $5000 on window replacement.

A lot of people have been asking which windows qualify for the $1500 tax credit. It is important to understand that not all windows qualify as energy efficient windows regardless of what it says on the box. To qualify the replacement windows need to have a 0.30 U-Factor(Value) or less AND a 0.30 SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient). This information should be listed on the sticker on the window, so be sure to review it carefully. The windows must be purchased and installed between December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2010. See an example window sticker here. (click on the image to see a larger one)

You will get this credit when you do your taxes for the year that you replaced your windows. Make sure to keep all receipts for the windows as well as receipts for the labor to install them. Having this documentation is very important in case you are audited.

Lets not forget that along with the credit from the IRS to install energy efficient windows, the energy savings alone over the life of the windows can add up significantly. As fuel costs rise, it only makes sense to start trying to mitigate the rising costs by making the necessary updates to your home.

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Many homeowners have now started to tint their house windows. The tinting process, commonly known as solar window film application, is done to the inside of the window. This process is not the same as decorative window tinting which is done purely for a design effect.

House Window tinting is done for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is the reduction of fading from blocking constant sun exposure to your carpet, walls and furniture. Window tinting can block up to 65% of the sunlight that would normally shine through. This helps to extend the life of your home’s contents.

Another important benefit of house window tinting is that it helps to conserve energy. In the summertime reducing the amount of sunlight entering the home will drastically reduce cooling costs. In the winter time the tinting acts as a insulator to keep warm air to escape from the windows. Insulating films also retain up to 55 percent of your home’s heat in winter.

Another benefit of tinting, though less talked about, is the blockage of ultraviolet rays from entering your home. Window tinting can block up to 99% of ultraviolet rays from entering your home. We all know that being exposed to ultraviolet rays over a long period of time is bad for the skin. Tinting allows you to have the feel of sunshine without the harmful effects of it.

Solar window film comes in many varieties. Privacy films can be used as a reflective service for your windows. If you like to have the privacy of no one being able to look into your windows, you can add a tint that creates a mirror effect from the outside. Glare reducing films help to reduce the glare caused by the sun at certain times of the day.

Film installation can be done either by a professional or yourself. They are applied with adhesive so it is important that the windows are clean prior to the application of the film. It is also important that the film is applied to a room temperature window. You do not want to apply the film when the window is hot as the adhesive may not dry correctly causing bubbles to appear in the film. After film is applied it usually takes four to eight days for the film to fully cure to the window.

As you can see there are many reasons to apply window tinting to your home. The most important of these is for energy savings. Window tinting is a low cost solution to make your home energy efficient and should be taken into consideration to help keep costs down.

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Installing House Windows is not a simple process but with the right approach and tools you can end up saving yourself hundreds of dollars over a contractor installation.

Step 1 – Measuring your house windows
This is the most important piece of the process. It is key that you have accurate measurements before attempting to order a replacement. Make sure to measure at the top, bottom and at least 2 or 3 places in the middle. This will allow you to see if settlement of the house as make the current window an irregular shape. Once you have the dimensions talk to the hardware store rep and explain to him what the measurements are and how you achieved them.

Step 2 – Remove the old window.
While removing the old window make sure to note how it was attached to the house. Ideally you will want to install the new window the say way. Once the old window is removed, make sure that the opening is square and level. Adjusting the window opening now will save you time later when trying to put the new window in. Most openings can be resquared by planing down of the wood surfaces that are out of align.

Step 3 – Installing the new window. In a perfect world, the new window will just pop into the opening and fit like a glove. In most cases you make need to use shims to prop one side of the window to make it level or both sides if the opening is just a bit too large. Depending on the opening size you may need to shim at the top of the window as well.

Step 4 – Fastening the new window
Most replacement windows will come with a wood frame, if this is the case you can simply fasten it to the house with wood screws. Other types of windows can be fastened by wood blocks that keep the window in place.

Step 5 – Seal your window from the elements
The last step and energy saving one at that is to caulk around the window to provide a barrier to the elements. Caulking not only waterproofs the window but provides a barrier where heat cannot escape to the outside. If you have a large gap between the window and the side wall you can also think about placing some small strips of insulation in between the two surfaces.

Not many people choose to install their own house windows, but if you are savvy enough and have the patients it can be a cheap and rewarding experience.

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