It's always colder by the windows in winter and hotter in the summer. Not to mention, your furniture's color fades with the sunlight. There's a lot about seasonal changes that could be affecting your home - and unfortunately, your wallet. Your old windows may be costing you more than you realize.
Jean Nayar, author of "Green Living by Design: The Practical Guide for Eco-Friendly Remodeling and Decorating" (Filipacchi Publishing, 2009), suggests buying energy efficient windows to save some cash in the long run.
With practical applications you can use in your own home to help you live just a little bit greener, why not get a few bucks back, too?
"The good news is," Nayar says, "the government is offering tax rebates and incentives to replace windows through 2010. You can save energy and money." So, what exactly are energy-efficient windows? Low-E windows have coatings that reflect ultraviolet sun rays and cut the demand for heating and cooling energy inside, Nayar explains.
Thinking about replacing your windows? Read over Nayar's tips on what to do - and what not to do.
Replacing old windows may add value as well as energy efficiency to your house, but that is the hardest part to evaluate. An accurate calculation of the net value of windows in the sale of a home is almost impossible to ascertain and is one of the least compelling reasons to replace the windows in your home. Here, a few dos and don'ts on replacement:
-Do choose windows that are energy efficient, have operable sashes that open and shut easily, with frames that require very little maintenance or repair.
-Don't replace your windows just because there is a discount or some other weekly promotion.
-Do choose windows that can help reduce moisture and condensation problems and can be fitted with insect screens.
-Don't replace old leaded-glass or similar fine historic windows that can be maintained or repaired. If you are fortunate enough to have windows that add character to your home, have them restored and add storm windows to the outside.
-Do reuse the outer frame and trim of the existing windows if possible. To do this, remove the old glass and sashes. Carefully inspect the existing frames to make sure that they are in good condition and can last for the life of your new sashes. One area of frequent damage is the exterior windowsill. Small defects can be repaired. Insert the replacement window into the old sashes. Keeping the existing interior and exterior window trim can also save you money and help you preserve the style of your home.
Text courtesy of Filipacchi Publishing
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