Given the drive for energy efficiency, the generous tax credits now in place, and our ever-growing eco conscience, there is little doubt that plenty of under-qualified, overconfident window installers are tramping from door to door offering their services with a wink and a smile.

Verifying prospective window installers is vital to ensuring that you get quality windows and professional craftsmanship. Of course, valid references and a well-thought out interview process are tried and true ways to recognize a qualified installer, but there are also certifications an installer can have that will help solidify his or her standing and ease your mind at the same time. (more…)

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You hear it time and time again: “Installing new windows is one of the best energy efficient upgrades you can make.” As it happens, that is a very true statement. But do you every wonder how much you really save after a window replacement?

In reality, every home’s savings will be a little different. Much depends on your climate, how inefficient the old windows are and what type of windows you upgrade to. Most of us that want a window upgrade are currently dealing with old wood windows, aluminum windows or any single-pane window that just isn’t cutting it.

Fortunately, the people at Energy Star – a good benchmark for energy efficient windows – have done the math on this one. They’ve compiled an array of estimates for energy savings and even adjusted them for different regions of the country. Overall, says Energy Star, you will save $126-$465 per year if you replace single-pane windows with Energy Star certified replacement windows. Furthermore, you’ll save $27-$111 if you upgrade from double-pane clear-glass (no Low-E coating) windows. (more…)

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The most energy efficient windows are concrete walls. They make for terrible views and fire escapes though, unless you’re the Kool-Aid Guy. But seriously, energy efficient windows are really in right now. Every top window manufacturer makes Energy Star-rated windows, the federal government is offering a $1,500 tax credit for your upgrade, energy bills keep on rising and drafty windows won’t stop leaking.

If you want to seal up your house so tight that winter drafts will screech and run away in terror, you’ll want the most energy efficient windows money can buy. That window will be an amalgamation of several energy efficient technologies. The most energy efficient windows will have all of the attributes listed below: (more…)

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