Aug 22 2005
The passage of the new energy bill clearly conveys America's need to reduce energy consumption and minimize dependence on foreign energy sources. Homeowners can help accomplish these goals by replacing old windows, and will receive a tax credit for their effort. Even with the benefits offered by newer heating and cooling systems and insulation, a home's energy efficiency can be dramatically reduced without the right windows, according to Bob Maceda, President of Stanek Windows, a leader in the custom manufacture of replacement windows.
"Homeowners will be able to receive up to a $200 tax credit for installation of new exterior windows. It's clear that the government is asking us all to find ways to reduce the amount of energy we consume," says Sven Kramer, Stanek General Manager.
"This tax incentive certainly helps to bolster the effort." According to the U.S. Department of Energy (USDE), the energy lost through windows can account for as much as 10% to 25% of your heating bill. During the summer, sunny windows make your air conditioner work two to three times harder.
The USDE recommends the following considerations when shopping for replacement windows:
- Look for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label; it means the window's performance is certified.
- The lower the U-value, the better the insulation. In colder climates, a U-value of 0.35 or below is recommended.
- In warm climates, look for windows with double glazing and spectrally selective coatings that reduce heat gain.
- Select windows with air leakage ratings of 0.3 cubic feet per minute or less.
- In temperate climates with both heating and cooling seasons, select windows with both low U-values and low solar heat gain coefficiency (SHGC) to maximize energy benefits.
Stanek windows offer homeowners a new innovation that turns windows into a sophisticated climate controlling device. Windows manufactured with Stanek's Heat Mirror technology block heat transfer through the glass achieving energy performance nearly 10 times that of single pane glass and 5 times that of ordinary dual pane glazing. Heat Mirror retains radiant heat in the winter and repels it in summer, offering homeowners the best of both worlds with their windows.
"Homeowners should keep in mind that replacing windows not only helps our country achieve its energy initiatives, but it will put more money back into their pockets with lower utility bills," Mr. Maceda said. "With rising gas prices and so many other demands of our hard-earned dollars, the majority of Americans can benefit from these savings."
Stanek Windows offers a complete line of energy-efficient replacement windows that can be installed year round.
Homeowners interested in more information on how to select a replacement window can visit the Stanek website at http://www.stanekwindows.com.