Undertake a “Green” Home Improvement Window Project

One of the most expensive remodeling jobs to do is replacing windows. A home improvement window project can run up a bill of thousands of dollars. Even though energy-efficient windows are more expensive upfront, there are several reasons why your home should have them.

While money savings may be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of energy-efficient windows, doing what's right for the environment and increasing the overall appeal of your home should also be considerations. Also, starting in 2006, Americans can get a tax credit if they include energy-efficient models in their home improvement window plan.

Save Money and Energy

Energy-efficient windows can reduce heating and cooling costs by around 25 percent or more. Less energy will be needed to maintain your home's temperature, so smaller HVAC systems can be installed in a home. Installing an energy-efficient model is a great home improvement window idea if protecting the environment is important to you.

Get a Tax Credit

The Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 allows for a $2,000 tax credit for energy-efficient homes completed after December 31, 2005. To qualify, the home's heating and cooling costs must be 50 percent less than the cost of a comparable home that met official 2003 and 2004 international energy standards. Not many other home improvement window projects are going to give you break when it comes tax time.

Improves Comfortable

Your home improvement window plan will probably place comfort high on the priority list, and energy-efficient windows can help. In the winter, inefficient windows will cool the air around them, creating the feeling of a draft even if the window is sealed properly. Energy-efficient models prevent this from happening.

In the summer, these windows will keep the home from heating up due to sunlight, making it less necessary to overuse the air conditioner. Excessive air conditioner use can aggravate arthritis and breathing problems.

Increases Light and View

Normally, windows are great sources of natural light. However, with natural light comes solar heat that can make a house warm. To keep that from happening shades and tints are often used, which cut down on the amount of natural light. When your home improvement window project includes energy-efficient models though, shades and tints are not necessary. The technology used in new glazes cuts down on the solar heat while still allowing maximum visibility through the glass.

If you have an older home you're looking for ways to update, you can't go wrong starting with the windows. Their numerous benefits make energy-efficient windows a must-have for your home improvement window shopping list.

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