While the $1500 tax credit for energy efficient products expired at the end of 2010, there is still a little life left in the idea of crediting homeowners who increase their homes efficiency with windows and doors.
A bill signed by President Obama extended the Bush era tax cuts in reference to windows, sky lights and doors and includes a new, less generous tax credit. For the year of 2011, homeowners will be able to receive a 10% credit of up to $200 for Energy Star qualified windows and skylights and a 10% credit of up to $500 for Energy Star qualified doors.
Although the new credit is not the same as the old credit, combining the savings from heating and cooling bills with the meager tax credit will no doubt help you save in the long run.
1.26.2011
How much should a replacement window cost?
It seems like this is the first or second questions anyone in the market for windows will ask. And I always give the same answer, "You always get what you pay for, perhaps even more so in the home remodeling industry." Of course everyone loves finding a good deal, but I am sure we can all relate to the experience of joy when you do purchase something at a steal-of-a-price and then the resulting dissonance when the true quality of the product shows through. Usually after the salesman is long gone.
Replacement windows costing less than $200 will deliver you a window that is almost guaranteed to need replacing. You could call it a temporary solution to a set of ever existing problems :wind, water, solar heat, cold air, bugs, dirt, etc. It will probably perform well the first few seasons but after repeated operation and standing up to the weather the true quality of the product will appear. Which will lead to all the old problems you had before you got the new windows. Also, that lower end window will most likely have a pretty weak warranty that will end right when the problems really start.
Windows in the range of $350-$500 are really where you want to be if you plan on making an investment in your home and living there for longer than a few years. The warranties on these windows will be lifetime or transferable lifetime, the quality of the materials is better, you will have higher energy efficiency, and the company you are working with will care more about the job and customer than they do about the sale. Also, often times with the sub $200 windows there are going to be extras that come included in the higher end windows.
Replacement windows costing less than $200 will deliver you a window that is almost guaranteed to need replacing. You could call it a temporary solution to a set of ever existing problems :wind, water, solar heat, cold air, bugs, dirt, etc. It will probably perform well the first few seasons but after repeated operation and standing up to the weather the true quality of the product will appear. Which will lead to all the old problems you had before you got the new windows. Also, that lower end window will most likely have a pretty weak warranty that will end right when the problems really start.
Windows in the range of $350-$500 are really where you want to be if you plan on making an investment in your home and living there for longer than a few years. The warranties on these windows will be lifetime or transferable lifetime, the quality of the materials is better, you will have higher energy efficiency, and the company you are working with will care more about the job and customer than they do about the sale. Also, often times with the sub $200 windows there are going to be extras that come included in the higher end windows.
1.17.2011
Can windows and doors be installed in the Atlanta winter?
Absolutely.
New windows and doors can be installed in the dead of Atlanta's winter almost just as easy as in the middle of the springtime. Loss of your home's heat will still be a concern, so make sure the contractor you choose utilizes a method of only installing one window at a time during the colder months. There other steps necessary to minimize heat loss from your home like closing the doors in the rooms being worked on and hanging tarp over windows and doors that require extra labor. Another practice you can expect from a quality contractor is the placement of think plastic sheeting or durable paper strips through your home's higher traffic areas. This prevents any kind of mud, snow, or other debris being tracked through your house during installation.
There is no need to suffer through another frigid Atlanta cold season when you can have brand new, energy efficient windows installed on your home. Not only will your home be more comfortable through the rest of the winter, the long term benefits of energy savings and a greater living experience inside your home will last as long as you are a resident.
New windows and doors can be installed in the dead of Atlanta's winter almost just as easy as in the middle of the springtime. Loss of your home's heat will still be a concern, so make sure the contractor you choose utilizes a method of only installing one window at a time during the colder months. There other steps necessary to minimize heat loss from your home like closing the doors in the rooms being worked on and hanging tarp over windows and doors that require extra labor. Another practice you can expect from a quality contractor is the placement of think plastic sheeting or durable paper strips through your home's higher traffic areas. This prevents any kind of mud, snow, or other debris being tracked through your house during installation.
There is no need to suffer through another frigid Atlanta cold season when you can have brand new, energy efficient windows installed on your home. Not only will your home be more comfortable through the rest of the winter, the long term benefits of energy savings and a greater living experience inside your home will last as long as you are a resident.
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