Ask Chris

I am looking to have new energy efficient windows installed in my house, but am somewhat confused by the term ‘Energy Star rated’ and whether these windows will meet current tax credit requirements?

Unlike tax credits for energy-efficient windows and doors in prior years, this years “30/30” criteria is stricter than the government’s Energy Star rating program. Not all Energy Star labeled windows and doors will qualify for the new tax credit. Consumers should look for the manufacturer’s labels on the glass window product packaging. The labels should show that the qualifying replacement glass windows meet or exceed U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings, also called the “30/30” criteria. In other words, the U-factor rating must be .30 or less and the SHGC must be .30 or less. The U-factor rating measures the passage of heat through the glass or how well a product prevents heat from escaping. The rate of heat loss is indicated in terms of the U-factor of a window assembly. U-factor ratings generally fall between 0.20 and 1.20. The lower the U-factor, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value.

The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient or SHGC rating measures the percentage of heat in the room gained from absorbed heat and direct sunlight. Windows with lower SHGC ratings reduce the solar heat gain in the house. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat the window transmits. SHGC is measured on a scale of 0 to 1; values typically range from 0.25 to 0.80.

The most energy-efficient replacement windows on the market, triple-pane replacement windows with gas insulation (commonly called Insulated Glass Units or IG units), are eligible for the tax credits. Double-pane replacement windows with low-E coating or Argon gas insulation may or may not qualify. Customers should insist on checking for the Energy Star label as well as the U-factor and SHGC ratings on the replacement window manufacturer’s labels before allowing the windows to be installed

Energy-efficient replacement glass windows and doors that meet or exceed the “30/30” criteria now qualify for a federal income tax credit of 30 percent of the cost up to $1,500 per household. The tax credit is available in 2009 and 2010 according to the economic stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama on Feb. 17.

Tax Credit!

It's that time of year when income taxes are on everyone's mind...and there's some good news:

The 2009 Federal Home Improvement Tax Credit

Beginning January 1, 2009, there are up to $500 in federal tax credits available for homeowners making improvements to insulation, replacement windows and doors, non-solar water heaters, roofs, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment.

Details and forms are here: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits. Check it out!

Cool & Useful Tool

HGTV has a fun and interesting tool to estimate the cost of various home improvements. Take a look: http://www.costestimator.com/hgtv/index.jsp Then call Home Enhancers for your free estimate!

Ask Chris

Our home improvement guru would love to answer your home improvement/construction/repair questions! Email homenhancers@att.net with any questions that you'd love to have answered, but were afraid to ask. Check this blog monthly for your question to be answered.

Frankie

For those of you who knew our german shepherd, Frankie, there is sad news.

In January of this year we had to say good-bye to our loyal friend and dear family member. Frankie was diagnosed in May of 2007 with degenerative myelopathy. He didn't let this progressive illness, or anything else in life, get him down. His indomitable spirit was present until the end, even when he could no longer walk. With his departure came a palpable void in our home. We miss him dearly, but he remains in our hearts now and always.

Credit Cards? YES!

At long last, Home Enhancers is finally accepting credit card for all your home projects. Now you can have the dream kitchen you always wanted, while also accumulating those frequent flyer miles! Or, if you've been putting off that much needed household repair because funds were short, now you can have it completed before it turns into something even costlier. Don't wait - call us today - (203) 668.3655

We accept MC/VISA/AMEX/Discover.

New Year - New Blog!

Welcome to our blog! We hope you enjoy your visit.

We decided to implement a blog to let you know what's new and what's going on with our business and in the home improvement world, to offer helpful tips, and absolutely anything else that might be of interest. This will be a work in progress, so expect changes as time goes on.

To the right, you will find a quick survey. Please take a moment and record your opinion. Results will influence future Home Enahancers promotions. Thanks!

Please feel free to contact us at any time at: homenhancers@att.net We welcome your suggestions.