www.segra.org

Real quick…Here are seven reasons to install energy efficient windows:

- Save energy

- Save money from using less heating or AC

- Add to appearance of the house

- Protect a home’s interior furnishings from fading

- Higher impact resistance

- Make outside noise less audible

- Insulate your home better, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer

With reasons like those, it’s no wonder energy efficient windows are all the rage. If your windows need to be repaired or even replaced, consider installing energy efficient windows.

How exactly do I pick out energy efficient windows?

When picking out energy efficient windows, you want to look for windows that are Energy Star certified.

Energy Star was developed by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. The government program’s purpose is to help individuals and organizations protect the environment through energy efficiency. The standard does not just apply to windows but to other products as well.

For the purpose of this article, we will be taking a look at windows that are Energy Star certified. What makes windows Energy Star certified? Any Energy Star product including windows must meet the following criteria:

- Have an NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label. The NFRC tests the insulating quality of the entire window.

- Be 40% more efficient than the product usually requires under most building codes.

- Reduce energy bills by up to 15%.

Customers cannot just rely on the Energy Star label to pick out a good energy efficient window though. An important consideration for consumers is to select windows that are appropriate for the area of the country in which they live. Energy Star labels windows three ways:

- “N” for northern climates

- “S” for southern climates

- “C” for central climates

The three types of windows are designed to address the heating or cooling concerns in each climate: mostly heating for the Northern Zone, mostly cooling for the Southern Zone, and both heating and cooling for the Central North Zone and Central South Zone.

How Energy Efficient Windows Improve the House

Aside from saving energy, energy efficient windows are particularly fantastic in states that can get extremely cold. These windows work to make homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which becomes particularly evident in states with very cold winters and states with extremely hot summers. With these windows insulating well, homeowners spend less on heating and air conditioning bills. Energy efficient windows also improve the house due to their attractive appearance, though not all energy efficient windows are the same. Homeowners have choices concerning main parts of the window, such as the frame, panes, and spacers.

Parts of the Window

- The frame

Look for windows that have fiberglass, wood composites, or vinyl because these materials are better at insulating. One negative aspect of using wood material for framing is that wood can be difficult to maintain, often needing painting after a few years. Thus, if you choose to frame your windows using wood material, it’s advised to get some exterior vinyl or aluminum cladding to cover the wood frame.

- Window Panes

If wondering whether having multiple window panes is preferred to having one window pane, remember the phrase ‘Two is Better than One’ or ‘The More the Merrier.’ Two panes of glass with space in between filled with air or krypton or argon insulates better than just one pane of glass does. Certain Energy Star windows have windows with three or more panes of glass, which do the best job of insulating and have greatest the impact resistance as well as improved energy efficiency. Another benefit of multiple panes is that they keep outside noise out better than a single glass pane does.

- Low-E glass coating

Low-E coating is a special coating on the window that is great to have. It reflects infrared light to keep heat outside in the summer and inside in the winter. It also reflects ultraviolet light to protect a home’s interior furnishings from fading.

- Warm Edge Spacers

Warm edge spacers are great for reducing heat flow and preventing condensation. Made of foam, steel, fiberglass, or vinyl, they keep a window’s glass panes the right distance apart.

There are many brands of energy efficient windows from which to choose. Manufacturers include those such as Accent Windows, Andersen, Cascade Windows, CertainTeed, Gorell, Marvin, Winstrom, and many more. Home improvement companies select which manufacturer brand they would like to make available to their customers. For example, Highland Windows, a Connecticut home improvement company based in Hartford is licensed to install Alside, another energy efficient window manufacturer, which has won The Energy Star Window of the Year Award three times.

In these days of energy efficiency, recycling and greater environmental awareness, we are all becoming more conscious of our impact on the planet we live on. Politicians may struggle to agree on anything, but you can make a difference now by reducing your ‘Carbon Footprint’.

What is a ‘Carbon Footprint’?
This is the amount of the greenhouse gas, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), that you release into the atmosphere as a result of your daily activities from, for example:Heating and lighting power stations release CO2 from burning fuel to provide the electricity you use.

• Installing Double Glazing can cut heat loss through windows by half. If you can’t afford to replace all the windows, why not choose the rooms that cost you the most to heat?
• Travelling transport, cars and aeroplanes release CO2 by burning fossil fuels – oil, petrol, diesel and gas.
• Waste the energy used to produce paper and packaging, and the cutting down of trees, releases and increases CO2

Save energy and reduce your ‘Carbon Footprint’?
There are many ways, such as driving smaller-engined cars, using energy-saving lightbulbs, recycling rubbish and making greener choices when you’re shopping. But there are a few ways to make a big impact straight away, whilst also reducing your utility bills:

• Double glazing save on energy wastage by reducing heat loss
• Loft and wall insulation as much as 60p in every £1 spent on heating could be wasted without insulation
• Boiler upgrade a modern A-rated boiler uses less energy but produces the same heat and could save you up to 40% off your bills.

Research has shown that uPVC double glazing halves heat loss through windows and doors and can save between £80 and £100 on the average heating bill. Professionally fitted double glazing increases a homes energy efficiency which in turn increases the value of the property, a worthy consideration bearing in mind the current instability in the UK’s housing market.

Thousands of British homes still have poor insulation and inadequate heating. This sad fact coupled with the potential rise of gas and electricity bills by up to 40% this winter means having double glazed doors and windows fitted is now more important than ever.

Approximately half of the UK’s CO2 emissions come from the energy we use every day in our homes, so cutting down on domestic energy usage not only saves the average household up to £100 on their energy bills, but also contributes significantly to cutting CO2 emissions in the UK.

Replacing all of a household’s windows and doors with double glazed units may be an unrealistic concept, especially if you’re on a tight budget, however, replacing only the windows in the rooms which get the most use and the front door will still help reduce your annual heating bills by a significant amount.

Today’s uPVC windows and doors live up to the highest standards and surpass rigorous wind speed and snow load tests.

A spokes person for the Conservatory Outlet Dealerships a leading supplier of Double Glazing commented on the current energy saving initiative;
“We’ve seen a steady increase in trade and enquiries over the last few years which shows the British public are keen to increase the energy efficiency of their homes and protect themselves against future rises in energy costs.”

For further details on the latest energy effecient double glazing windows visit:
or http://www.westyorkshirewindows.co.uk
or http://www.planeteast.co.uk
or http://www.planetsouthlakes.com

The federal income tax credit for energy-efficient replacement glass windows and doors is now 30 percent of product cost up to $1,500 per household, an increase from $500 two years ago. The new energy-efficiency tax credit on replacement windows is available in both 2009 and 2010 according to the economic stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama Feb. 17.

Unlike tax credits for energy-efficient windows and doors in prior years, the “30/30” criteria is stricter than the government’s Energy Star rating program. Not all Energy Star labeled windows and doors will qualify for the new tax credit.

To take advantage of the tax credit, you must make sure the energy-efficient replacement glass windows and doors meet or exceed the “30/30” criteria to qualify. Here’s what to do:

1.    Look for the manufacturer’s labels on the glass window product packaging. Save them for documentation.

The manufacturer’s labels should show that the qualifying replacement glass windows meet or exceed U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings, also called the “30/30” criteria. In other words, the U-factor rating must be .30 or less and the SHGC must be .30 or less.

The U-factor rating measures the passage of heat through the glass. Windows with lower U-factor ratings are more energy efficient. The SHGC rating measures the percentage of heat in the room gained from absorbed heat and direct sunlight. Windows with lower SHGC ratings reduce the solar heat gain in the house. It adds up to lower energy costs for your home, which saves you money on your electricity and/or natural gas bills.

2.    Select the right replacement windows for your home that will qualify for the tax credit.

The most energy-efficient replacement windows on the market are triple-pane replacement windows with argon gas insulation (commonly called Insulated Glass Units or IGUs). These windows are eligible for the tax credits and will reduce your energy costs the most.

Single-pane replacement windows are not eligible for the energy-efficient tax credit because glass by itself is not an insulator. The U-factor and SHGC ratings will be too high.

Most double-pane replacement windows with low-E coating or gas insulation probably will qualify. You should insist on checking for the Energy Star label as well as the U-factor and SHGC ratings on the replacement window manufacturer’s labels before allowing the windows to be installed. Remember, not all Energy Star double-pane windows qualify for the tax credit, but if the product does not have an Energy Star label at all it definitely will not qualify. If you have a question about whether or not the double-pane windows qualify, a Glass Doctor installer will be glad to help you contact the window manufacturer directly.

Glass Doctor is working with its replacement window suppliers to offer high-quality, energy-efficient window products with the Energy Star seal that qualify for the tax credit. MI Windows and Doors has developed a special line of double-pane windows for Glass Doctor. With next generation warm-edge spacer technology, the ETC30 glass package includes high performance low-E coatings and argon insulation enhancement.

3.    Save the manufacturer’s labels and documentation for the special form to be submitted with your tax return.

To receive the tax credit, you will have to submit an IRS Form 5695 with a receipt for the replacement window purchase and the window manufacturer labels and stickers. A tax credit reduces the amount a taxpayer owes the government in taxes; it does not reduce the amount of income on which the taxpayer owes taxes.

The federal energy efficiency tax credit is allowed on the cost of the actual replacement window product that qualifies. The tax credit is not allowed on installation services, onsite preparation, assembly, or state sales taxes. Windows for new homes do not qualify for the tax credit, no matter what type of window is installed.

If you have any questions about energy-efficient replacement windows and glass doors, contact your local Glass Doctor. If you have questions about the tax credit, be sure to contact your tax planner or accountant. We can fix your panes, but we can’t fix your tax returns if you’re audited.

Taxpayers should consult their tax planners or accountants and review all IRS guidelines. Glass Doctor is not a tax advisor. The above is a partial summary of the revisions to the federal tax code (U.S. Code Title 26, Section 25C) as updated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment  Act of 2009. Taxpayers should check with the IRS regarding updates to the IRS interim guidance in Notice 2006-26 for further details on the tax credit. Other energy efficient improvements may apply; check the following link and the IRS website for more details at at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=97322,00.html. Glass Doctor bears no responsibility in the validation of obtaining the tax credit. Please consult with a professional tax advisor or the IRS. Glass Doctor expressly disclaims any responsibility for determining whether a particular product qualifies for the tax credit.

Now is not the time to be literally throwing money out the window. Combat the rising heating fuel prices this winter by preparing your home’s windows.

Winterizing your home windows can save up to 10 percent on energy bills right away, according to the Department of Energy. Most heat escapes from a home through gaps around the windows, not through the glass itself. Failed caulk, gaps between the trim and the window, and bad window seals are the most likely culprits.

“To find out if your window seals have drafts, hold up a candle or incense stick near the window on a windy day,” Ed Sieber of Glass Doctor of Charlotte, N.C., said. “You’ll see the smoke move, and the more it moves the worse the draft. Don’t just go by the temperature of the glass and whether or not there is condensation. Find where the draft is coming from.”

Temporary window draft solutions are best for warmer, temperate climates that have occasional cold snaps, but they apply in colder climates as well. Start with these solutions if your wallet is light.

Replace light curtains with thicker curtains in the fall and winter months. Curtains restrict air movement, but they do not block it completely. Curtains can refresh the whole look of the room, though. Shutters or shades can change the look of a room as well, and they restrict the air flow better than curtains.

Most warm air escapes around window and door glass trim. Replace caulk annually and paint over it to complete the seal and protect the caulk. Rope caulk is easier to use than glazing caulk, and it can be easily removed and reused. Caulk does not completely seal the window, but it restricts more air flow.

Older windows that are not opened can be fitted with weather stripping to prevent leaks. To find out how much you need, measure the perimeter of the window and add at least 10% to account for overlap and waste. %0

An average home may lose 30% energy through its windows. There are simple and affordable ways to fix this problem with things such as window sealer. If you have old windows you can replace them with more energy efficient windows with ENERGY STAR qualifying rating such as low-e coated windows. It depends which region you stay in.

Everyone cannot afford windows or just do not have time to replace there old windows, so the best option for them is window sealer. This is cheap and easily accessible at your local hardware store.

How do you know if you are losing energy from your windows? First off what not to do is waste your money with energy auditors, where they will charge around 200 dollars per window to evaluate. The easy way is on a windy day grab a lit candle and move it to different parts of the window, the fire will move toward air gaps. Here are other ways to reduce wind draft through your windows:

” Silicone caulk:
This caulk can be used for the outside of the window. If your caulk is bad outside of your window, remove the old caulk and add silicone caulk. Silicon caulk last longer than the other caulks.

” Rubber Weather Sealing:
Rubber whether seal can be used on leaky doors and windows. They are very easy to install and affordable.

” Window Insulation Film:
This kit cost around 10 dollars. Put double sided tape around your window then place the plastic on the tape then finish it off with a blow dryer to dry it.

” Spray foam
Use foam spray around the cracks of your window to stop draft. On big cracks they have that expands when you spray them on.

” Cellular Shades:
These shades are easy to install and it that blocks the cold air from coming inside the house.

” Seal and peel
Unique removable weather strip caulk provides a watertight and weatherproof seal to temporarily seal out drafts and save energy. They are easy to remove just peel it off and it won’t damage painted surfaces.

” Draft Snakes:
They are usually used for doors but you can also use them on windows.

Energy bills are continually rising because of the higher demand and environment improvements from the electrical companies at the electrical company’s plants. Energy is constantly rising so now is a good time to pay attention of how much energy you are wasting.

Most of us may thing that windows are just practical object used for letting the lights in. Well, there is more reason why we should go with them; they are also responsible for calculating the way energy moves through your home. It further defines the design of a house and keeps it correctly ventilated. Replacing your old windows can be easier than you think and can be the most apparent kinds of saving energy. Single old glass windows are ordinary and common in house. Having a single glass window is just like having absorbent valve. Air is continually evading your home. Replacing windows could offer your house a stimulating fresh look along with saving energy and money for future.

Many aspects of a window must be measured before getting and installing them. Get into the new trend of double glass window. Double replacement windows would save you great bucks on the heating and cooling bills. They considerably decrease heat loss during winter and can extremely reduce heat gain in the time of summer. It is recommended that a double glass window be enclosed with an unusual low emissivity coating. Where to make use this coating usually relies up on your geographic site. Getting in touch with some of the window contractor personally could be great to perform such task.
 
Cover for Windows are important

Do not forget about how significant it is to cover your windows. Multiple layers of cover on your replacement windows could protect your home and maintain heat inside. Anyhow, new skills have come up and people are now concentrating not only on the cover, but as well on the width of airspace among the windows. Thicker space makes superior wadding. On the other hand, too much space is a ravage in addition. Anything beyond 1″ would have no result on your energy saving act.

When speaking about energy saving you must also check out multiple paned windows, which could be packed with argon and krypton gas to lessen heat loses and augments R-values. The high the R-value (fight to heat loss) the superior padding you would have. The U-Value is an additional significant thing to think when replacing old vinyl windows. The U-Value is a measurement to calculate heat transfer. The lesser the U-Value is the less heat transfers would be. With less U-value window replacements, running the homes heat loss and gain would turn extremely easy. Ensure when evaluating fresh windows that you are scrutiny U and R values measured for the total window. Some replacement windows produced provide morals for the middle of the glass.

Before buy vinyl replacement windows, pay cautious attention to your environmental location. Different windows are compatible for dissimilar climates. Cold climate windows are as well intended to maintain heat standards. It is significant to think the U-value on winter season windows. U-value is a gauge of windows wadding aptitude. The lesser the U-value is, the improved the insulation ability would be. So choose carefully as replacement window is directly related to getting charm to your house.

In these days of energy efficiency, recycling and greater environmental awareness, we are all becoming more conscious of our impact on the planet we live on. Politicians may struggle to agree on anything, but you can make a difference now by reducing your ‘Carbon Footprint’.

What is a ‘Carbon Footprint’?
This is the amount of the greenhouse gas, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), that you release into the atmosphere as a result of your daily activities from, for example:Heating and lighting power stations release CO2 from burning fuel to provide the electricity you use.

• Installing Double Glazing can cut heat loss through windows by half. If you can’t afford to replace all the windows, why not choose the rooms that cost you the most to heat?
• Travelling transport, cars and aeroplanes release CO2 by burning fossil fuels – oil, petrol, diesel and gas.
• Waste the energy used to produce paper and packaging, and the cutting down of trees, releases and increases CO2

Save energy and reduce your ‘Carbon Footprint’?
There are many ways, such as driving smaller-engined cars, using energy-saving lightbulbs, recycling rubbish and making greener choices when you’re shopping. But there are a few ways to make a big impact straight away, whilst also reducing your utility bills:

• Double glazing save on energy wastage by reducing heat loss
• Loft and wall insulation as much as 60p in every £1 spent on heating could be wasted without insulation
• Boiler upgrade a modern A-rated boiler uses less energy but produces the same heat and could save you up to 40% off your bills.

Research has shown that uPVC double glazing halves heat loss through windows and doors and can save between £80 and £100 on the average heating bill. Professionally fitted double glazing increases a homes energy efficiency which in turn increases the value of the property, a worthy consideration bearing in mind the current instability in the UK’s housing market.

Thousands of British homes still have poor insulation and inadequate heating. This sad fact coupled with the potential rise of gas and electricity bills by up to 40% this winter means having double glazed doors and windows fitted is now more important than ever.

Approximately half of the UK’s CO2 emissions come from the energy we use every day in our homes, so cutting down on domestic energy usage not only saves the average household up to £100 on their energy bills, but also contributes significantly to cutting CO2 emissions in the UK.

Replacing all of a household’s windows and doors with double glazed units may be an unrealistic concept, especially if you’re on a tight budget, however, replacing only the windows in the rooms which get the most use and the front door will still help reduce your annual heating bills by a significant amount.

Today’s uPVC windows and doors live up to the highest standards and surpass rigorous wind speed and snow load tests.

A spokes person for the Conservatory Outlet Dealerships a leading supplier of Double Glazing commented on the current energy saving initiative;
“We’ve seen a steady increase in trade and enquiries over the last few years which shows the British public are keen to increase the energy efficiency of their homes and protect themselves against future rises in energy costs.”

For further details on the latest energy effecient double glazing windows visit:
or http://www.westyorkshirewindows.co.uk
or http://www.planeteast.co.uk
or http://www.planetsouthlakes.com

Energy Star Windows & Doors

Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights

Want more from your windows? Ask for ENERGY STAR.

ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights save you energy and money, increase the comfort of your home, and protect your valuable possessions from sun damage. They are also better for the environment because lowering your energy use means less air pollution from power plants.

Save money and energy.

Replacing single-paned windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows or choosing ENERGY STAR overthe typical clear-glass double-paned alternative can save a significant amount of money on your energy bill.

Say goodbye to winter drafts and sweating in the summer sun.

Thanks to a host of new technologies, ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, making you more comfortable.

ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights do more than just lower energy bills – they deliver more comfort, create less condensation, and protect your valuables from sun damage better than conventional clear-glass double-paned alternatives. By lowering your energy use, these windows are also better for the environment: The less energy you use, the less air pollution power plants produce.

Protection from Winter Chills

On cold winter nights, do you avoid seats near the window? Do drafts chase you from room to room? When the mercury drops to single digits, even tightly sealed traditional double-paned windows can still make you shiver. The cold, inside surface of an inefficient window pulls heat away from your body, so you can feel chilly in a sweater with the thermostat at 70 degrees. With ENERGY STAR qualified windows, the inside window glass stays warmer, so you can relax in your window seat even when the temperature outside dips well below freezing.

Shielding from Summer Heat

In summer, do your windows seem like giant heat lamps? Are you denied your view because you have to keep your blinds perpetually closed? A typical double-paned, clear-glass window allows approximately 75 percent of the sun’s heat into your home, almost as much as a single-paned window. Windows qualified for ENERGY STAR in the North/Central, South/Central and Southern ENERGY STAR Climate Zones transmit only 30 to 55 percent of the sun’s heat, usually without noticeably reducing the visible light. You get the light but a lot less heat. So you can relax and enjoy the view in summer too.

Protection for Valuable Interiors

Your favorite photograph, half a loveseat, your Persian rug, even your flooring can fade or discolor after repeated exposure to direct sunlight. An ENERGY STAR qualified window with Low or Moderate Solar Gain Low-E coatings–the same coatings that keep out the summer heat–can reduce fading by up to 75 percent. These coatings are like sunscreen for your house, blocking damaging ultraviolet light without noticeably reducing visible light.

Reduced Condensation

When you open your curtains on winter mornings is the ice or fog you see on the inside or the outside? If an inefficient window or window frame gets too cold, water can condense or even freeze on the interior surface and then pool on the sill. Over time, chronic condensation can damage sills, cause paint to crack, and encourage the growth of mold. Advanced frame, glass coating, spacer and other technologies enable ENERGY STAR qualified windows to keep the inner surface of the glass and frame warmer, reducing the potential for condensation and ensuring a clearer view on winter mornings.

Don’t Forget the Last “Window”

In most homes the air leaks and unsealed gaps under doors and around pipes allow as much heat in or out as a wide-open window. Make your home more comfortable and efficient with Home Sealing.

Protect your home’s interior

Many ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors, and skylights act like sunscreen for your house, protecting your photographs, artwork, furniture, carpets, and wood floors from sun damage.

Buy with confidence.

Every ENERGY STAR qualified window, door, and skylight is independently certified to perform at levels that meet or exceed strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Ask for ENERGY STAR.

To purchase the most efficient window for your home, ask for products that are ENERGY STAR qualified in your Climate Zone. To learn more, see the window purchasing tips.

Confirm the ENERGY STAR Label

Before the new product is installed, check for the ENERGY STAR label and make sure you have received the correct product.

Windows should display an official ENERGY STAR label (examples below) or equivalent custom label, next to the NFRC label. There are a variety of custom labels, but all should include the same elements as the official label:

The ENERGY STAR Certification Mark
A map showing where the product is qualified
A qualification statement
Seal and insulate with Home Sealing. Sealing your home’s envelope is one of the most cost-effective ways to lower your home’s energy bills and improve your comfort.

What’s in a pane – or two?

All energy efficient windows have at least two panes, but not all double-paned windows are energy efficient. Twenty years ago, double-paned meant energy efficient; today, advanced technologies have enabled the development of windows that are much more efficient than traditional clear-glass double-paned windows. For maximum energy savings, don’t count panes; count on ENERGY STAR.

Have Windows Properly Installed

Proper installation is critical for achieving full product performance and avoiding water damage. Windows, doors and skylights should be installed by trained installers according to manufacturer instructions. Many manufacturer warranties are void if the product is not installed according to instructions. When hiring a contractor, interview candidates and ask for references. The Federal Trade Commission recommends questions to ask potential contractors . (new document) If installation requires scraping lead-based paint, be sure to take proper precautions.

Source: www.energystar.gov

It seems the cost of heating or cooling your home is starting to get rather expensive. One sure fire way to help cut the cost down somewhat is to replace your existing windows with new, more energy efficient ones. But the lurking question remains, what types are out there and which one is the best for my home? Sit back, relax, and hold on for a ride through the new window tour.

First there is toughened glass. This type is also known a tempered glass. This window type is created by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its overall strength and durability. If this window does break it will shatter into small fragments similar to a broken car window. This type also greatly enhances thermal resistance. Major uses for this type of glass are in ovens and baking apparatus as well as automotive applications.

Next we have laminated glass. This type is also known as safety glass and will not shatter when broke. It will hold its form. It is made up of an interlayer (two or more layers of glass). It is commonly used in skylight glazing and automotive windshields. It is also seen in exterior storefronts as well as curtain walls and windows. Multiple laminates and thicker glass is use for bulletproof applications.

Next we have tinted glass. This is also known as window film. The advantage to this type is it reduces heat and radiation from the sun. The film used is either dyed or metalized in order to convert incoming solar radiation into infrared radiation and then refracted back through the glass to the exterior. There is a trade off with this type of glass though. It can cost 10 – 15% more than regular glass but can reduce energy loss by30 – 50%.

Now we have patterned glass. This is also known as decorative glass. It is a safety style glass and used in kitchen and other cabinet doors. It contains UV blockers which help stop fading of interior furnishings. It is also a barrier against all levels of noise pollution.

Now we move on to reflective glass. This is glass coated with a reflective film and helps control solar heat gain during the summer. It also reduces light transmittance and helps aid in visual aesthetics of a building.

Next we have high transmission (low e) glass. This type allows red, green, and blue light to transmit equally and prevent the stress from heat and mechanical strain. You will find this type of glass used in your camera lens.

And finally we have glass and insulating glazing units. Another name for this type of glass is thermo pane. This type is made-up of one sheet of glass which has two of the low emissivity coatings that is used to provide the lower heat transmission. This is used in one way mirror applications due to its coatings and reflective appearance and also insulated glazing units.

Now you have a list of windows to cut those high costs down to manageable levels. Good luck in your shopping.

In order to improve the look of your home, you likely don’t need to start a hefty construction project. Instead, look into investing in new doors and windows. New doors and windows can dramatically improve the appearance of your home on both the outside and inside.

With potentially hundreds of new styles to choose from in both windows and doors, you won’t likely walk away from your experience feeling like you didn’t have enough choices in your selection. There are a variety of materials that new doors are now made from, including traditional wood, strong metals, and durable fiberglass. You can also find many materials for your windows, one of the most popular being the clean look of vinyl. Your options for windows and doors are endless as well. Interior, exterior, patio, French, and sliding glass doors are just a few of the more conventional types you can look at. Skylights are becoming more and more popular throughout the years, along with bay windows, awning windows, and specialty windows that you can design on your own or with the help of a window and door specialist.

Another reason to purchase new doors and windows is the fact that they can make your home more energy efficient. Monthly utility bills and other energy costs are typically much more expensive for older homes than they are for newer homes. This is often because of old doors and windows that don’t allow a home to maintain a consistent, indoor temperature. If you live in an old home or have old doors and windows, you’ve likely noticed that your utility payments vary throughout the year and month to month, sometimes so dramatically that you wonder if your heater and air conditioning system are functioning properly. With new windows and doors that are energy efficient, your home will be able to maintain a consistent temperature and you’ll likely start saving more money every month of the year.

Energy efficiency isn’t just important for your individual home, however. It’s important for the entire United States. In fact, the government believes so strongly in America’s goal to become more energy efficient that they recently passed an energy efficiency tax credit. This tax credit covers 30% of the product cost of new, energy efficient windows and doors, up to $1,500. This means that if you spend $5,000 on the purchase costs of new doors and windows in either 2009 or 2010 you can receive the full 30% tax credit (equaling $1,500) on your taxes for that year. If you spend $4,000 on the product cost, you’ll again receive the full 30%, coming out to $1,200.