I just read that MidAmerican Energy will be raising their rates in 2012 by 3- to 4-percent and that the raise will need to be approved by the Iowa Utilities Board. One way Des Moines homeowners can help offset the impact of that increase on their personal finances is by installing Energy Star approved replacement windows.
As far as home improvements go, new windows will start paying for themselves immediately in both energy savings and added value to your home.
The energy savings realized through window replacement varies from home to home depending on a variety of circumstances, including the type of window, glass, and the quality of the installation. But many homeowners report a noticeable reduction in their monthly energy bills and greater overall comfort in their home because drafts and colds spots have been eliminated.
Then there’s the added home value that comes from energy efficient replacement windows. According to the Remodeling 2011–12 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com), Des Moines homeowners who have replacement windows installed can recoup between 44.9- to 49-percent of the installation cost during the first three years after installation. So windows add value to your home while also saving on energy costs and just making your home more comfortable.
A few other positive aspects of replacing your old windows (depending on type of window you choose) include less maintenance, added security, and ease of use.
There are also tax credits available for window installations in 2011. Visit www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index for more information.
Here are some other useful links for learning more about the process of replacing your windows.
www.efficientwindows.org Information of Replacement Windows
www.installationmastersusa.com Window Installation Certification Information
www.nfrc.org One stop for fair, accurate and credible information on energy performance of windows and doors.
www.energystar.gov Learn more about energy efficiency from this government backed program.
www.aamanet.org American Architectural Manufacturing Association for Product Certification Information
You may also want visit the web sites of your local energy provider to see if they have any incentives, rebates or low-interest financing available.
www.midamericanenergy.com
www.alliantenergy.com
Buresh Home Solutions Installs Replacement Windows
In our window department we focus on offering a wide array of options to meet our customers’ needs. In the last year, our window installers have completed projects with storm windows, vinyl replacement windows, wood w/aluminum clad, and fiberglass windows.
We believe that offering multiple options and educating homeowners about the features and benefits of the different types of windows is a much better way of doing business than pushing or selling one particular window that doesn’t really meet your needs is beneficial.
As in all home improvement projects, taking time to educate yourself before beginning the search for the best contractor to install your new windows can save you a lot of headaches in the future.