Energy Efficient, Vinyl windows Replacement Contractors - Northern Virginia

Windows lose and gain heat and energy through conduction, convection, radiation and air leakage. Tony Ishairzay uses the illustration of greenhouses, which are made entirely of windows to both trap sunlight and heat as well as cool the space according to the outside atmosphere.

Vinyl windows are energy efficient, durable, insect proof and weather resistant. These types of windows not only inhibit UV-degradations but it also requires no painting. Beginning in 2009 until 2011, homeowners can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost of qualified energy-efficient windows and doors up to $1500. This incentive is a great benefit in offsetting the initial cost of energy efficient windows but will provide greater benefits in the future.

Tony Ishairzay warns, that not all windows will be approved for this tax credit, so it is important to do your homework and shop smart when replacing your windows. Only the most energy-efficient windows and doors will qualify for the tax credit and old requirements such as the Energy Star certification is no longer sufficient. These old requirements are being replaced by newer standards such as meeting certain U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings.

Windows must have a U-Factor of .30 to meet the new requirements. The U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping the home. The lower the U-factor, the more efficiently it keeps heat. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient must be .30 or less. The lower the SHGC, the more it blocks the heat of the sun, therefore reducing the need for air conditioning and saving energy.  This very important information should be located on the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) sticker certifying the ratings. The ratings can also be verified in the product ratings at www.nfrc.org.  The certification mark in the left hand corner of the label indicates that the window has been certified in accordance with the NFRC standards. In the right hand corner is a description of the window according to the manufacturer.

To claim the $1500 tax credit, you must purchase and install the replacement window, which meets the above requirements between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. By saving the receipt and window performance label (NFRC label) for each window you can claim the tax credit on your Federal filing for the 2009 or 2010 tax year. Tony Ishairzay reminds homeowners that only the sales price of the window will be included in the cost and installation costs will not be considered. Therefore, replacing windows now will save you money both now (through this tax credit available only through the 2010 tax year), and in the future