Tax Credit "Window Of Opportunity" Reopens In 2009

(NAPSI)-Between 25 and 50 percent of energy used in a home goes right out the window--literally. That's because, in most homes, windows provide the biggest openings between ambient indoor air and the elements outside--and the biggest opportunity for valuable energy to escape.

Heat always moves toward cooler air and windows are often a home's only protection against unwanted heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. As many homeowners are seeking ways to save on energy bills and reduce their impact on the environment, windows have become a primary focal point.

With nearly 40 percent of home remodeling incorporating sustainable, green materials, the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Fenestration Rating Council have established a new, stricter set of criteria for windows carrying the ENERGY STAR label, which will take effect in 2010.

"These changes to ENERGY STAR will help homeowners distinguish between the quality of different window systems," said Tracy Rogers, window expert and technical director for Ohio-based Edgetech I.G. "Only windows with the best materials, such as all-foam, dual-seal spacers, will qualify for the ENERGY STAR label."

Additionally, the federal tax credit for installing energy-efficient windows is once again available for improvements made from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. More information can be found at www.sustainaview.com or www.energystar.gov.

Superefficient Windows

The green movement and ENERGY STAR enhancements have resulted in a climate change among window manufacturers who are now designing and building what some call "superefficient" windows--triple-pane rather than double-pane.

Triple-pane windows are most effective when constructed with high-performance materials, such as nonconductive dual-seal foam spacer systems, low-emissivity (low-e) coatings and argon or krypton gas filling. According to Rogers, the spacer system is a key element to promoting sustainability in window systems because it provides the seal between the indoor and outdoor air.

"Properly constructed 'superefficient' windows will stand the test of time," Rogers concluded. "Regardless of the climate, these windows are sure to cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions from the home for many years to come."

For more information on where to buy superefficient windows with sustainable components, visit www.sustainaview.com.

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