Why Now Is The Time For Window Replacement

By Author: Craigie Jones
Total Articles: 66
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If you've been considering window replacement, now is your golden opportunity. Tax legislation for 2011 allows for a tax credit on all new home windows, including 10% for up to $200 in energy efficient windows and sky lights. That means that $4,000 in window replacement can earn you a tax credit of $500, so the total investment stands at $3,500. In my hometown of Palo Alto, California (near San Jose), several friends of mine who own homes have been taking advantage of this opportunity.

The government isn't throwing its money out the window offering tax credits for window replacement. They get something for the deal, just as do you: energy efficiency. Replacing your old windows with new energy efficient windows can cut your heating and cooling costs by as much as 50 percent. That means less coal gets burned heating your home, and you pay a lower electric bill every month. It's a win-win situation for the government, the public and yourself. Everyone saves!

How long are you planning to own your home? Though it may cost a little at the outset, new windows delivers the energy savings for life. Eventually, they'll pay ...
... for themselves many times over, and keep saving. The fact is that energy costs are going to continue going up unless you consider window replacement. Once they're installed, however, the savings accumulate.

Also, consider the equity of your home. Home prices are falling, but one sure way to improve on their investment is with window replacement. You may not be able to afford to sell your home, but you can improve its equity until the housing market recovers so you get your investment back with change.

Always make sure to work with a professional, however. The efficiency of windows depends on their installation, and this is best left to a professional. To make sure all cracks are sealed, rely on professionals for your window replacement. It's really the only way to get the most back for your investment.

The cost of windows must be weighed against the potential savings you'll get. Really, the question isn't if you'll recoup your costs, but how quickly. Thanks to the latest tax credit, you can estimate that you'll likely recoup your expenses 10 percent faster. Add to that the escalating costs of energy, and you'll see that there's never been a better time to invest in windows, a savings that keeps on saving. Add it up. window replacement is money in your pocket that continues to grow, bill after bill.

Jody Van Horn is a green energy evangelist, and a certified provider of San Jose windows and Palo Alto window replacement.