As energy prices continue to rise many homeowners are seeking new and efficient means to improve their homes.  Cooling and heating costs are the primary concern of most homeowners when it comes to upgrading their windows.  Another concern is maintenance, and more and more people are eliminating the need for exterior painting by wrapping the exterior wood trim with vinyl or aluminum.

When deciding on new windows the first decision to make is the material you want them made of.  The choices available for your home are fiberglass, vinyl or wood.  If you choose wood, again, you may want the exterior of the unit clad in either vinyl or aluminum to alleviate future maintenance such as painting and caulking.

After you’ve decided on the frame material, you need to consider the glass.  This encompasses the number of panes, either double or triple, whether you want the glass coated, and if so with what, if you want gas inserted between the panes such as argon or krypton, and what type of spacer you want.

Single-pane glass has very little insulating value (approximately R-1).  It provides only a thin barrier to the outside and can account for considerable heat loss and gain.

Double-pane and triple-pane glass greatly improves a window’s energy efficiency because multiple layers of glass increase the window’s ability to resist heat flow.

Clear glass is the primary material available for window panes, however, in recent years the market for glazing–or cutting and fitting window panes into frames–has changed significantly. Now several types of special glazings are available that can help control heat loss and condensation.

Low emittance (low-e) glass has a special surface coating to reduce heat transfer back through the window. These coatings reflect from 40% to 70% of the heat that is normally transmitted through clear glass, while allowing the full amount of light to pass through.

Heat-absorbing glass contains special tints that allow it to absorb as much as 45% of the incoming solar energy, reducing heat gain. Some of the absorbed heat, however, passes through the window by conduction and re-radiation.

Reflective glass is coated with a reflective film and is useful in controlling solar heat gain during the summer. It also reduces the passage of light all year long, and, like heat-absorbing glass, it reduces solar transmittance.

Finally, ensure that your replacement windows are properly installed.  Quality installation is critical for an airtight fit and a continuous water barrier to prevent drafts, water damage and condensation. The complexity of the installation depends on whether you are considering complete window replacement or just inserting new glass or sash kits within the existing frame. Make sure to follow manufacturers’ recommendations on whether the installation requires a trained professional or whether do-it-yourself is an option.  Each manufacturer has detailed installation requirements and specifications for their products.

A friendly reminder to those who replaced windows last year…

Homeowners can claim a tax credit for home energy efficiency upgrades made in 2011, including energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights.

Qualifying criteria includes:

?Improvements installed in 2011

?10% of purchase price (not including installation cost)

?Maximum credit: $200 for windows and skylights, $500 for doors (overall credit limit for qualified energy-efficiency improvements: $500)

?Meet ENERGY STAR criteria for your climate zone

To be eligible, components must have been installed by December 31, 2011, as the tax credit has not been extended into 2012. Windows, doors and skylights installed in 2011 qualify if they meet the ENERGY STAR criteria for your climate zone.

The tax credit is 10% of the purchase price of the installed windows, doors and skylights (excluding installation cost) up to a maximum of $500, of which up to $200 can be claimed for windows and skylights. If you have already claimed a tax credit for home energy efficiency improvements since 2006, it counts against the $500 limit. If, for example, you claimed a $300 credit for your 2007 taxes, you can only claim $200 for 2011.

The IRS form for requesting the home improvements tax credit is IRS Form 5695, which you will need to file with your taxes. Homeowners should keep any manufacturer certification statements with their records but are not required to submit them with their tax return.

¨       High Energy Bills

¨       Mold, Mildew or Musty Odors

¨       Damp Basement

¨       Cold Floors in Winter

¨       Drafty Rooms

¨       Excessive dust

¨       Condensation on windows

¨       Ice Dams

¨       Peeling Paint

¨       Hot or Cold Rooms

¨       Dry Indoor Air

These are common household problems your Mega-pro addresses year around.  Having your home assessed for these types of problems and correcting them will make your home more comfortable, and improve its energy efficiency — saving you money on utility bills while helping to protect the environment at the same time!

High Energy Bills – High utility bills in summer and winter can often be traced to air leaks in your home i.e., inefficient windows, inefficient or incorrectly installed heating and cooling equipment, or poorly sealed or insulated ductwork.

Mold, Mildew or Musty Odors – Water leaks or high humidity can lead to mold and mildew. This can cause wood rot, structural damage, peeling paint, and a variety of health problems. Often, high humidity in homes with central air conditioners can be traced to improperly sized or installed air conditioners.

Damp Basement – Damp basements are commonly caused by moisture migrating through the foundation. As moisture evaporates, it increases indoor humidity and can promote the growth of mold — resulting in odors and potential health risks.

Cold Floors in Winter – Some types of floor finishes (such as wood, stone, tile, or concrete) will naturally feel cold on bare feet. However, insufficient insulation or air infiltration can also cause cold floors.

Drafty Rooms – Cold air coming into or going out of your house, especially through leaks hidden in the attic and basement, can cause rooms to feel drafty and uncomfortable.

Excessive Dust

Increased dust could be a sign that it is time to change your air filter or that your ductwork is not well sealed.

Condensation on Windows or Skylights – Inefficient windows, skylights or improperly set thermostat/humidistats can cause excessive, indoor moisture levels.  This can potentially lead to further, more extensive damage to drywall, trim, etc.

Ice Dams – Warm air inside your home will penetrate into the attic and warm the underside of the roof causing snow and ice to melt and refreeze as it runs off your roof — forming icicles and ice dams.

Peeling Paint – Peeling or cracking paint on your home’s exterior may be a sign of a humidity problem or improper paint application.

Hot or Cold Rooms – Significant differences in temperature from one room to another can be caused by inadequate insulation in walls and attic, air leaks, poor duct performance, and improperly installed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Dry Indoor Air in Winter – Air leaks in your home allow warm, humid air to escape and draw-in drier, cold air.

If you’re looking for recommendations to improve the energy efficiency in your home, call Mega today to request an insulation expert come to your home, assess where the energy problems are, and recommend solutions that will not only improve the comfort of your home, but save you money on your monthly utility bills.