As Congress debates the details of the Home Star bill many people have asked the question of which federal program is better for them – Home Star or the Tax Credit program. Many consumers have delayed their buying decision until they learn whether Home Star will ever be passed and if so, what the final language will mean to them. As with most decisions like this, there isn’t a clear-cut answer. It really depends on your situation.
The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) created a tax credit for homeowners who replaced their old windows with new energy efficient replacement windows. The tax credit allowed the homeowner to receive a credit of 30% of the window cost (excluding installation), with a maximum of $1,500. The money would come in the form of a tax credit on your tax returns. As with most tax credits, it reduces your tax liability. If you have no taxable income or tax liability that can be reduced, you wouldn’t receive a benefit. For the average working class person, this tax credit is a significant incentive and would increase their tax rebate or reduce their tax payment in April.
The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 is a bill that is being debated in Congress now. It isn’t clear whether this will ever become a law or not. So, there is a risk is waiting to see if it gets passed because the tax credit program expires on 12/31/10. You don’t want to miss out on both of these programs. The draft language of Home Star proposes upfront refunds on energy efficiency upgrades to your home. This could include windows, insulation, water heaters, HVAC, etc. Replacing windows would potentially offer a rebate of $1,000 if 8+ windows were replaced (or 75% of the windows in the home). This $1,000 would be taken off of the contract price from the home improvement company who sells you the windows. They would then apply for a refund from the government. This is similar to the Cash for Clunkers program that car dealerships offered.
The program that is best for you depends on your individual situation. The pros for the tax credit are that it exists today and the rebate amount for windows is higher. Home Star, if passed, would provide a lesser amount for windows, but it would be upfront money. Home Star would also have the benefit of allowing you to do multiple efficiency upgrades at one time to allow for an even higher rebate. e.g. – You could replace your windows, add insulation to your attic and add a solar hot water heater. This might result in several thousand dollars in discounts, but you’d have a much higher investment cost to get those returns.
Regardless of which program you feel best suits your needs; you don’t want to pass up these opportunities because they won’t be around for long.
We’re hearing all the time in the media how green materials, Energy Star qualified products, and home renovations will save us money and energy. The “green movement” has exploded, and green products are advertised everywhere TV, newspapers and the Internet. Every company says their products are energy efficient and good for the environment and this makes it difficult to choose, as consumers, when purchasing major home-improvement items, such as windows. So what’s the best way to decide which products really are the best value for your money?
Do your research. See what different groups and organizations such as Energy Star, the DOE, or various research facilities or universities have to say. What savings or benefits do they estimate you will receive from window replacement or another home improvement? Do be cautious, however. The old axiom still applies. Don’t believe everything you read. That’s why it’s important to get positions or opinions from several organizations or knowledgeable individuals and to be sure the data you’re studying applies to your climate area.
The bottom line? Most everyone agrees that any renovation such as windows, doors, insulation, etc. that makes your home more energy efficient WILL save you dollars on energy bills. It remains simply a question of how much will you save in your specific case? Just do your homework and decide which type of improvement and which specific product will provide the best savings for your home. Keep your expectations real, and buy smart and you’ll be a happy customer!
Window and door screens have evolved in remarkable ways over the years. From aluminum mesh to fiberglass. From large, hard-to-see-through yarns to micro-diameter threads that provide a clearer, better view.
Modern technology has given us screens that are made of much better materials than “old-school” aluminum mesh. Today we have durable, fire-retardant fiberglass yarns that are coated with a protective vinyl to make them hold up better for many years. Unlike aluminum, fiberglass mesh won’t rust, corrode or stain.
Mesh size is another important factor in window and door screens. Yarns that are smaller in diameter actually provide a better view of the outdoors and even allow more airflow through the screen. And the tighter the mesh, the more effective these screens are at keeping out insects—even the tiniest gnats.
The newest technology now allows screens to provide antimicrobial protection as well. This means that screens can protect against the growth of stain-causing bacteria and mold and mildew that can degrade the fabric. This, in turn helps make homes safer and healthier for families—because those bacteria and mold can cause illness or allergies. Screens that incorporate antimicrobial technology also stay cleaner for longer in between cleanings—an important benefit for busy homeowners and working parents who have less time to devote to cleaning!
One last thing to consider in regard to window and door screens is how “Green” they are—how good are they for the environment? Some screen manufacturers have had their new products tested to see if they meet strict chemical emissions limits, which contribute to the creation of healthier homes. BetterVue screens—offered on Gorell products—have achieved the prestigious GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification.
Even though it might seem screens are not as important today because we keep our homes closed up most of the year, it’s still important to ask about the screens that come with the windows or doors you’re planning to purchase because there will be times you want your windows and doors to be open. Screens provide beauty, protection against insects and bugs, and mold protection, as well as provide a breath of fresh air and a vie
There is a new lead/EPA law coming to your home April 22, 2010, whether you want it or not. For homeowners that own pre 1978 homes, all remodelers whether they are replacing windows, siding, kitches, soffit, facia, etc. may be using lead safe practices in your home. The way the new law reads today is this. If there are children under 6 or pregnant women in the house, lead safe practices need to be recognized and used. This last statement is only a brief section of the law so you will want to look further into the details - for example if a child visits a home twice a week for 3 hours or more - lead safe practices also need to be used. As a father of two little children, I can get behind protecting children from lead poisoning if this was all there was to it.
However, things are much more complicated. There is an opt out clause currently in the law. There is a likelihood that this opt out will be removed. If this happens, any person owning a pre 1978 home will be required to have their remodeler use lead safe practices. You will not have the choice, the EPA will have decided for you. Why pre 1978 homes? This is when lead paint was 'banned.' So if you own a pre 78 home, there is a good chance your home contains some amount of lead.
But how does this effect us as homeowners. First, the costs of doing remodeling projects are going to skyrocket. Using lead safe practices is not inexpensive both from a labor and materials perspective. Also, less and less remodelers will be willing to do work on pre 1978 homes because of the added hassle and expense. If there are less contractors willing to do this work, there will be less competition for people wanting to do work on my home. This will lead to costs increasing even further.
Because as homeowners, we have had to work with smaller budgets, the smaller jobs we have been doing over the past couple of years are going to be economically prohibitive because of the new costs associated with lead safe practices. Because our pre 1978 homes will be tested for lead, when we go to sell our home, we will have to note this on our disclosures. So if we do remodeling work, we are penalized for this compared to our neighbor who also owns a pre 1978 home and doesn't have remodeling work done - or did the work before April 22, 2010. They don't or didn't have to disclose it because lead testing wasn't required.
With the added costs associated with remodeling, we are in essence taxed for it. We want to be rewarded for making our older homes more energy efficient, not penalized for it. I have been writing my lawmakers about this and if you agree, I encourage you to do the same.
There are two major parts to the changes in the ENERGY STAR Windows & Doors program that will occur on January 4, 2010.The first change has to do with the four climate zones.The borders of each zone have moved.It’s important for you to know which zone you reside in. You can see the new map on the ENERGY STAR website (www.energystar.gov). It features a zip code lookup tool to help you find your area.
The other major change is an increase in thermal performance requirements—in the U-value and Solar Heat Gain values that products must achieve to qualify.
So how will the new performance requirements affect you if you’re considering Gorell windows for your home?If you purchase Eco Master or any of our triple-glass systems, there will be no change.All of these high-performance glass systems will still qualify in all zones.
If you are considering AC Master, it will depend on which products you purchase and in which zone you live.Some will qualify, but not all. Contact your Gorell dealer to determine which products still qualify with AC Master.
Starting on 1/1/10, Gorell’s laminated glass systems will incorporate our SolarControl Max Low-E—to ensure that every Gorell laminated glass system qualifies in all ENERGY STAR climate zones.
For additional information on the new 2010 ENERGY STAR criteria, visit the ENERGY STAR web site at www.energystar.gov, or contact your local Gorell dealer.
If you’re still considering replacing your windows in 2009, you may be finding that window dealers or home improvement companies are not as available as before to meet with you to discuss windows. This is actually not unusual, because traditionally November is a time when homeowners rush to replace their windows before the colder weather arrives -- and window dealers have more work than they can handle.
Compounding this situation this year are a few additional factors. One is pent-up demand and the improving economy. Many who waited because of lack of confidence in the country’s financial stability now feel they can make purchases with confidence. Another factor is unquestionably the $1,500 federal Tax Credit program and the rush to purchase qualifying windows before year’s end.
A thing or two about the Tax Credit: One is that windows must be installed in 2009 to be eligible for the credit to be taken on your 2009 return. It’s still possible, of course, but it will be close if you’re ordering windows now. The other thing to remember is that you do have until December, 2010, to take advantage of the program.
The good news? If you do purchase windows now and they are installed in early 2010, you still win financially because you’ll save money with lower winter heating bills – and you still get the tax credit (although later).
Something that homeowners—as well as home improvement professionals—need to be aware of are the new federal lead paint regulations that go into effect in April, 2010. This is a topic that has not received much attention in the media. It applies to homes built prior to 1978 to which renovations are being made, and it has to do with the removal or modification of painted surfaces. If a painted surface in a pre-1978 home is to be disturbed in a way that produces dust, the new regulations will likely apply. A number of home renovations—including window and door replacement—may result in dust from lead paint.
Information for home improvement companies is also included on this web site. See the PDF called “Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right EPA’s Lead-Based Repair, and Painting Program.” It covers what remodelers need to know and do regarding the new legislation.
What time of year is the right time to replace your windows? There really is never a wrong time, but many times, I hear homeowners saying that they want to get their windows in the late fall, just before winter.
This makes perfect sense, especially if you are living in a northern climate. As a homeowner, you want to be protected from the typical cruel winter you experience. By getting new vinyl replacement windows installed in the fall, you can count on feeling comfortable as the temperatures dip below zero.
But, we also experience some of our highest utility costs during the summer months due to the high cost of air conditioners running. Instead of waiting until fall, summer months are great months to replace your windows.
You get the same benefits in the summer months as you would in the winter, better comfort and lower utility bills.
The most expensive window you own is the one already in your house. There never is a bad time to purchase custom fit vinyl replacement windows.
Are banks really lending right now? Well, it depends on who you are listening to. Some sources say that banks are not lending to homeowners, even if they have great credit. Others are saying that banks are now back to lending like they used to.
The truth, as always, is somewhere in between.
Most banks around the country are happy to finance home improvement projects. They are just a bit more cautious about who they lend to.
We’ve heard that some homeowners aren’t even speaking with banks because they assume the news is correct and banks aren’t lending. Well that just isn’t true. We’ve seen that the average, hardworking homeowners are easily able to get the credit they need and deserve.
As a matter of fact, there are some fantastic financing options available these days. Gorell offers a wide variety of financing programs for home improvement projects. Many homeowners are taking advantage of some great low interest loans, some of which are locked for the term of the loan. Others are looking to enjoy the energy-efficiency benefits of their windows today, but want to defer payments for a few months or even up to a year!
When we hear about the construction or housing industry being down, it’s usually more in reference to new home construction. Unfortunately, the recovery of this segment of building may take a while. An article posted June 10 on Window & Door magazine’s web site predicts that it could take several years.
There are currently too many existing homes on the market, mortgage money remains tight, unemployment is close to double digits and many employed homeowners—unsure of their job future—are not thinking about investing in new homes now.
The home-improvement business, on the other hand, is expected to recover much sooner, as early as this year. Homeowners not planning to build new homes soon may be deciding to do something with their present homes to make them better and nicer places to live in.
A smart home-improvement idea is to replace windows. It’s a good decision, economically and otherwise. New windows add to a home’s value. Remodeling magazine reported in January that 77.2% (national average) of the cost of replacing windows is recouped when the home is sold. And that doesn’t factor in the big 2009-2010 federal energy tax credit of up to $1,500. (See http://www.gorell.com/pages/energy_tax_incentive_act.htm for more details on the tax credit.)
Premium-quality replacement windows also save homeowners money because of lower home heating and cooling bills. Window replacement also contributes to a cleaner environment and reduced dependency on foreign oil.
