Consider Replacement Windows for Comfort, Savings, and Value

Spring is upon us, and that means it’s home and garden show season! These events inspire homeowners to envision improvements and remodeling projects to make their homes more comfortable, functional, and attractive. With the promise of longer, warmer days, you may be motivated to boost your curb appeal while making an investment that increases the value of your home. If home improvements are on your mind, new windows should be on the top of your list.

The overall construction of ProVia windows, including the materials, design of the frame and the energy-efficient glass package all work together to provide homeowners durable windows that deliver the comfort they require and the energy cost-savings they want. ProVia Endure™, Aeris™, and Aspect™ window lines are ENERGY STAR certified, using less energy to stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and comfortable all year round.

Through the Inflation Reduction Act, the federal government is offering a tax credit of 30% of the cost, up to $600, on the purchase of residential windows that have earned ENERGY STAR Most Efficient recognition. ENERGY STAR windows are also eligible for rebates from utilities in some areas. Use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to learn if you qualify.

Ask for ENERGY STAR certified windows for your climate zone when ordering from a dealer, remodeler, builder, or contractor to make sure you select the best option for comfort and energy savings. ENERGY STAR windows come in a wide variety of configurations, styles, colors, and operating / opening methods to suit your needs. Some manufacturer warranties require that you use a trained installer, or an installer certified by the manufacturer, so ask your contractor to confirm his certification to install the window product(s) you have chosen.

To purchase the best ENERGY STAR Certified windows for your home, follow these steps:

• It’s important to select windows that are suited to the climate in your area. Enter your state and county into the Climate Zone Finder to determine your climate zone.
• Find a dealer or retailer of ENERGY STAR certified windows and ask which brands and lines they carry. You can research product options using the ENERGY STAR Windows Product Finder.  Request ENERGY STAR certified window products for your location and be sure the request is in writing in the estimate, contract, or agreement.
• Get estimates from several contractors for the project; make sure to request details on the brand, model name, U-factor, and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) on the products being installed, so you can make an informed comparison.
• To get the best price for your home improvement project, order at least 8-10 windows. Contractors may charge a higher price if they come to your home to do a job that takes only a few hours. Set-up and take-down of equipment can be time-intensive and may prevent them from moving on to their next job in a timely manner, so they may upcharge to make up the difference.
• Have a clear understanding of warrantees associated with any window project: product warrantee (for product defects), glass warrantee (for breakage or seal failure), and installation warrantee (for proper installation).
• When the products arrive, check the ENERGY STAR window label before installation to make sure the product you received is certified to meet the performance requirements for your area. The ENERGY STAR label appears on the product next to the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label on the glass of each product.
• Save the ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels (typically combined) from the glass of newly installed windows to take advantage of financial incentives such as tax credits and/or manufacturer rebates to lower your initial investment costs.