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I was recently contacted by one of our window suppliers recommending that I pass on information about tax incentives in 2009 for replacement of windows, doors and skylights. While I am an advocate for upgrading the efficiency of homes, I also believe that any remodel project should not be undertaken without careful consideration of other factors.
Many of the homes that I work on are historic homes, and often I am ask to evaluate the condition of windows and make suggestions on whether or not the windows should be replaced.
Below are some questions I usually ask myself before making a recommendation:
- Do the windows contribute to the historical character of the home?
- If the answer is “yes” then I take a look at the condition of the windows. If the condition of the existing windows are in poor shape, then I look at replacement options. When looking at replacement options I try to find a manufacturer that is able to manufacture new windows that will most closely match the configuration and mullion pattern of the existing windows.
- Have the windows been painted shut?
- Often times the windows are still in good condition, but they have been painted shut by a past owner. It takes some work, but the paint can typically be cut along the operable areas and the windows can be refurbished to original working condition with much less cost than replacing the windows. Often in older homes we will find a true double hung window with the top panel painted shut and the bottom panel still operable. The original idea behind a double hung window is that in warmer months of the year the top panel can be lowered to allow air flow high in the room. Since heat rises, the operable top panel allows hot air to escape which reduces the need for mechanical cooling. Due to this same theory we sometimes see transom windows in kitchen areas of old homes to allow heat to escape from the hot kitchen to cooler areas of the home.
- Do the windows have single pane glass?
- It is definitely true that old single pane glass windows are not as efficient as newer double pane or even triple pane glazing systems, but the glass may be adding character to your home and that is sometimes overlooked by some homeowners and remodelers.
- Glass is actually a liquid that is being pulled slowly in the direction of gravity. Many of the older homes that I work on have glass that over the years has become thicker at the bottom of the pane than at the top. This gives a “wavy” illusion to objects on the other side of the window when looking through the glazing sometimes called the “bottled glass” effect.
- If your single pane glass adds a character to your home that is irreplaceable you might consider adding storm windows to the home. My own home has custom storm windows that we can easily remove and replace with screens during the summer months. The screens allow for cross-ventilation while keeping insects out of the home during the hot summer months. During the winter months, the extra layer of glass provided by the storm windows keeps the windows from “sweating” and building up condensation. It also helps seal the house and makes it easier for the heating system to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. It is a bit more maintenance to change out the screens and storm windows each spring and fall, but in my mind it is worth it to be able to keep the original glass. If you are thinking of installing storm windows, there are a few companies such as Van Dykes Restorers that have some nice looking hardware to attach the storm windows to your home.
- If you have still come to the conclusion that you should replace your windows, you are in luck because there are some tax incentives in 2009 that will help to reduce this upgrade.
- Before we get into this though, let’s first look for windows that match your home as we discussed earlier. In addition, windows with wood interior and an aluminum clad exterior will be highly efficient, will have a softer more natural feel than vinyl, will last a lifetime and also be low maintenance.
- I dislike nothing more than walking into an old historic home with beautiful old style woodworking to find that someone has replaced the original wood windows with white vinyl windows. There are a few projects where I have recommended vinyl windows, but they are few and far between and never in a historic home.
- The Tax Credit is for qualifying products that will be installed in 2009 and 2010. The maximum credit will be $1,500 and will be based on 30% of the purchase price and does not include installation. The windows must also be for the person’s primary residence.
- There are also some limitations as to how energy efficient the windows need to be. The windows must have a U factor of 0.30 or less and they must have a SHGC of .30 or less.
- A good website for more information on window efficiency and the tax incentive is The Efficient Windows Collaboratives. There is also a .PDF available at the following link:
Adobe .PDF on Window Replacement Tax Credit
Are you getting tired of all the negative news and reporting? I ran across this site called the “Good News Network” the other day and have added it to my homepages. There are a lot of interesting legitimate news stories that have a more positive take on our society and our world. There is even a free thirty day trial. Check it out when you get a chance by clicking on the logo below:
We roll easily through the winding mountain roads of Idaho. The scenery passes by as we are transported through a winter wonderland in the heated comfort of the jeep. I hold a large cup of coffee in one hand and the other on the steering wheel. Large herds of elk are grazing on the sides of the road. I slow our speed in anticipation that one of these huge amazing animals may decide to cross in front of us. Good conversation on a crisp cold morning and amazing Idaho Scenery….Click here to continue reading and view a video & slideshow of the trip!