Replacement windows can be big savings

If you don't live in a recently built home and want to save more money, aside from the new energy efficient appliances home improvement chains are constantly advertising these days, you could also consider the new exterior energy efficient additions such as windows and doors.

Although not eligible for a rebate like the Energy Star appliances, these new energy efficient windows can save you a lot of money that you would normally spend on monthly utility bills, plus up to $1,500 will be deducted of your income tax.

If you want to make improvements on the exterior of your home like replacing windows, skylights or doors, aside from the indoor upgrading of appliances, this credit tax which is part of the stimulus bill, provides you with the chance to do it. This means you could reduce your income tax next year by up to 30 percent of the purchase price, not including installation.

Although you won't be able to benefit from this credit tax more than once, you will obviously benefit every month from having lower bills for the heating or cooling of the house. On a rough approximation this can actually reduce your bills by hundreds of dollars. Not only will you enjoy better living conditions, but also your impact on the environment will lessen considerably at least in terms of energy consumption. If you own an older home, having upgraded windows and doors will also enhance its value if you decide to sell.

Whether you're acquiring new windows, doors or skylights, make sure that they come with a manufacturer statement certifying that the products qualify for the tax credit.

Installing windows is not your everyday handiwork, so you would do better to call professionals to do the job for you. An even better idea would be to find a company that can take care of all the aspects of the job, from the measuring and removing of your windows, to the making and installing of new ones, and it won't take them more than a couple of weeks. If you choose a national company you can benefit from the financing they offer for the work, and if you decide to go with a local company you might get lower prices.

Before choosing a window or company, do your homework. Whether you consider a national brand of window, or one locally produced, find out the window's ratings for energy transference - in keeping cold air and solar energy out. Energy performance, which shows on the windows label and should be in company literature, should show a U-factor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or less to qualify for the credit. Before you make your choice, not only do you have to make sure that the window qualifies for the tax credit, but you also need to compare window and installation costs, so that you get a good price. When the windows are ready to be installed, you will want to schedule the work on a day when temperatures are mild and you can be at home.

These new windows will make your life a whole of a lot easier, not to mention cheaper.