It's a great time to be a 'window shopper'

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt">It’s a great time to be a ‘window shopper'</h2>(ARA) – Many doors are closing due to the economy, but certain windows are becoming easier to open. The 2009/2010 tax credit for energy efficient replacement windows, one of 10 provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is helping homeowners to remodel America one house at a time."There are many advantages to remodeling your home," says Chris Pickering, vice president of marketing at Ply Gem Windows. "The new tax credit allows homeowners to reach beyond their normal means to complete renovations that can translate into both immediate and future savings." Ply Gem, a leader in the building products industry, offers some helpful tips to simplify the remodeling process. <div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/8a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/8a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div> Learn about the remodeling federal income tax creditThe replacement window tax credit was signed into law on Feb. 17, 2009. The bill provides a $1,500 maximum tax credit for installing energy efficient windows that qualify, calculated as 30 percent of the qualified windows’ purchase price. Previous tax credits were given in 2006 and 2007, but were for a much lower amount and were based on different energy efficiency criteria. For additional information on the 2009/2010 tax credit, click the energy tax credit icon on the home page of www.plygemwindows.com or visit www.recovery.gov. Qualifying for the tax creditTo qualify for the tax credit, windows must adhere to strict guidelines established by the federal government. Replacement windows must have a glass package with a U-Factor rating (the rate at which a window conducts non-solar heat flow) of .30 or lower. Qualifying windows must also possess a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rating of .30 or lower. The SHGC is a fraction of solar energy admitted through a window that is released as heat inside a home. These ratings are far stricter than current ENERGY STAR standards, so consumers and industry professionals should check window ratings before purchasing. Whatever your renovation plans entail, solutions are available to help you create a better environment for your family. "With 51 qualifying Ply Gem products to choose from, options are sure to fit all budgets and project sizes," says Pickering. How the credit can help homeownersHomeowners and remodelers can reap multiple benefits from the newly approved credit. Energy efficient windows that meet the new tax qualifications can help to lower your federal tax bill as well as your energy bills. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, to start saving energy, the first steps to take when assessing your home’s energy efficiency are to seal and insulate your house, which can reduce your heating and cooling bill by approximately 20 percent. Each home differs in the products that will work best to maximize its energy efficiency. An energy audit may be available through your local utility or state energy office to help gauge the amount of energy that you are currently using. Speak with representatives from your local energy office to set up an audit appointment for your house. The benefits of remodeling are not purely economic — they also can enhance the aesthetic quality of the home and make a more comfortable living space. New window designs have both classic traditional as well as sleek contemporary looks, which can vary a home’s appearance dramatically. The intrinsic value of a home cannot be measured in simple dollars and cents. The feeling gained from being truly proud to call a house your home is irreplaceable. Other ways to make your home more energy efficientThe current remodeling credit also offers a variety of other options to help homeowners improve their home and quality of life. Central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers and more are also ways to increase your home’s energy retention capabilities. <div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/8c.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/8c.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div> "Other options are available beyond the current tax credit to increase energy efficiency in your home," says Pickering. Homeowners can use insulated siding, reduce the amount of water consumption and unplug appliances when not in use. For other ideas on how to increase the energy efficiency of your home, visit <a href="http://www.energysavers.gov" target="_blank">www.energysavers.gov</a> . Talk to your local dealer about products that qualify Be sure to ask your local dealer abo
ut the windows products that meet the current tax credit requirements. To learn more about the 2009/2010 energy tax credit and products that qualify, visit <a href="http://www.plygemwindows.com" target="_blank">www.plygemwindows.com</a> . Courtesy of ARAcontent

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