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Can I get an tax credit on window sashes?

No, window sashes are not considered to be an integral part of the window component, and therefore is not included in the tax credits for new energy efficient windows.

How do you find the Energy Star rating for doors and windows?

Because the Energy Star rating changes from climate zone to climate zone for the same windows and doors, you will need to contact your manufacturer directly to ensure that your choices fall within the specified products for your building area.

Is there a difference in the kind of glass used in doors and windows?

The type of glass you choose for your doors and windows depends on the expected exposure to the sun, placement, and size of the window.

• Clear Insulating Glass. There is clear, insulating glass that uses an airspace in-between the two panes of glass. This works to keep heat and cold on the correct sides of the glass. This will give you basic energy efficiency and lots of light and some solar heating capabilities.

• Low-E Insulating Glass with Argon has a Low-E coating, which is a specialized, yet invisible coating that prevents heat transfer across the glass, keeping heat inside during the winter, and outside during the summer. Some manufacturers provide additional layers that help to block up to 95% of the UV rays of the sun. For those of you who live in climates with temperature extremes, using argon gas between the panes is an excellent idea. For those who live in more moderate climates, this is not necessary. For the most extreme conditions, there are windows made with three panes of glass available with and without Argon gas. These are the most expensive choice, but do provide the maximum energy performance.

• An alternative gas used between panes of glass is Krypton. Both Krypton and Argon are odorless, colorless, and nontoxic. Using gas between the panes of glass increases its energy efficiency. Krypton is the best insulator, but Argon is less expensive. Some manufacturers use a combination of both Argon and Krypton to maximize the best qualities of each gas.

Is there a listing of which doors and windows are Energy Star qualified?

There is no listing of Energy Star qualified doors and windows, as each area of the country is subject to different standards because of their different needs. In order to make this determination you will need to contact either the manufacturer of your doors and windows directly, or have your contractor do this for you. Not all product choices will be available as choices in all climate zones.

Tell me about Energy Star Qualified, does it apply to all doors and windows?

No, not all windows and doors are Energy Star Qualified. This is a specific designation that meet or exceed the energy efficiency standards that have been established by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1992. This designation is to help you to identify which products have been given this designation, and help you to make appropriate choices for your home and business. All Energy Star doors and windows will have an Energy Star sticker on them. You will see some knock-off products that have stickers promising to be Energy Efficient. This is NOT the same thing as Energy Star Qualified.

All doors and windows that have been given this designation have been tested and evaluated by a certification agency that is completely independent of the EPA. This independent third part is called the National Fenestration Rating Council. They put doors and windows through rigorous testing, evaluating the entire component as a whole unit, rather than just the glass or frame independently. The entire unit must work well in order to be up to the necessary standards to receive the Energy Star Rating.

What are the tax advantages to installing Energy Star qualified doors and windows?

There are numerous tax advantages to installing energy efficient home building products. You will want to determine what these will be for your particular situation, and be sure to document this appropriately for your accountant. Tax advantages range from window films to sliding glass patio doors, French doors, and numerous styles and designs of standard and custom designed doors and windows. Garage doors generally do not qualify because they do not enclose conditioned living spaces.

What do I need to know about Doors and Windows for my home?

One of the biggest impacts you can make on your home is to change the existing doors and windows. Not only will you be giving your home a face-lift, you will be radically changing the energy efficiency of your home. This will provide long-lasting value to your home. Not only will you be saving on your energy bills every month, you will enjoy the comfort and beauty available in the new windows and doors currently available. When it comes time to sell your home, the upgraded windows and doors will provide an excellent return on investment, provided that you choose wisely and look for energy savings in your choices.

What is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)?

Well insulated windows block the transfer of heat either from inside to outside, or outside to inside. These numbers range between 0 and 1.

What is U-Factor?

This is a designation of how much heat is transferred through a window. It provides information on just how well the unit is insulated. Better insulation is designated by a lower number, ranging from 0.25 to 1.25.

What should I use, wood, fiberglass, or vinyl?

The beauty of choosing new windows in today’s commercial environment is that your choices are virtually limitless. You can choose the style of window that suits your needs and matches your budget.

Wood is considered to be one of the top choices for windows and doors for its beauty, traditional look and with the new advanced wood protection materials as well as the aluminum clad exteriors, today’s wood windows are extremely durable and require very little maintenance to remain trouble free. Wood is usually considered to be the most expensive window you can purchase for your home, but they are well worth the money. It used to be that wood was not used very often in moist and humid environments, but today’s windows are designed differently than a generation ago. They are now protected against moisture, decay caused by mold, and pests such as termites. Wood is the best in terms of insulation, up to 1800 times better than aluminum.

Fiberglass is the strongest material that is used for making windows and doors, and can take any condition, salt water, extremes in temperatures, and even impacts. These windows and doors are very easy to care for, and can be painted to look like wood. Fiberglass offers similar insulating qualities to wood, are very energy-efficient, and are considered to be a mid-range price point for most homeowners.

Vinyl windows and doors provide long-lasting performance with low energy bills at a very reasonable price. Vinyl is an excellent insulator, prevention the loss of heat and provide sound buffering.

Why can’t I find Energy Star qualified storm windows?

Because of the advance in window technology, there is no longer a need to use storm windows in addition to the typical three-season window. Today’s windows are manufactured in such a way that it is now unnecessary to have the addition of storm windows in order to increase energy efficiency in the wintertime. The inclusion of gas between either two or three panes of glass provides an extremely high level of energy efficiency.