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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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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