Is your home overdue for a set of replacement windows? That’s right… we’re not talking about replacing Windows, we’re talking about replacing windows. Forget those scary thoughts about swapping operating systems for a moment. Give it another month or two and it’ll be the cost of home heating this year that sends chills up and down your spine. Of course, there are lots of ways to save energy around the house…

You’ll want to start out by installing a programmable thermostat. You can cut your heating bill significantly (over 10%) by automatically setting the thermostat back when you are away during the day and at night when you’re sleeping. The payoff on this home improvement is nearly instantaneous… it’s possible to recoup the cost in just one heating season, depending on the factors. Installation is a snap for any geek or geekette that’s not afraid of a wire-stripper.

Looking for an energy-saving technology that anyone can install? Switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs can slash lighting costs by two thirds. I’ve been running these energy-saving bulbs for a year and a half. They rock! If you buy quality bulbs you will be rewarded with lower electric bills and minimal replacement issues.

Onto the big ticket stuff… replacement windows, doors, and insulation.

Installing a good set of energy-efficient replacement windows will minimize the amount of cold air infiltration in the winter. Low-E glass uses a thin metallic coating to restrict the flow of radiant heat - keeping the warmth inside your home in the winter and the outside during the summer. The best replacement windows address conductivity, as well. The space between double and triple glazed windows may be filled with Argon to cut down on energy loss.

If you can hold off until January 1st (not that you want to be doing this in the dead of winter), the new Federal Energy Bill provides for a 10% tax credit for the purchase and installation of energy-efficient doors, windows, and skylights, as well as insulation and special metal roofs. Unfortunately, the tax credit is capped at a total of $500, with a maximum of just $200 for window replacement expenses. While that’s not a huge amount of money, every little bit helps, baby. If Uncle Sam wants to give me one free replacement window, I’ll gladly accept it.

The casement windows go rolling along…

While window replacement is within the realm of the experienced do-it-yourselfer, it can be a dangerous project when second story windows are involved. (There are many times when I’m glad that ranchero indebto is just that!) Although I haven’t tackled window replacement yet, it’s definitely on the list for next year. After replacing a sliding glass door a few years back, I have all the gumption I need to tackle the project.

Installing extra insulation in an attic or crawlspace, on the other hand, is a snap for anyone with the common sense to read and follow simple directions. Just be sure to wear long pants, long sleeves, gloves, eye protection, and a suitable mask.

[tags]replacement windows,tax credit,energy saving,diy,thermostat[/tags]