Save Energy and Money With Basement Replacement Windows

Many homeowners in southern New Hampshire have taken advantage of the Federal Energy Tax Credit this year, according to Ken Perigny co-owner of Pellerin Vinyl Siding and Replacement Windows. He notes that the downturn in the economy, and the recent memory of the oil price spike in 2007, has prompted homeowners to think of energy savings as putting real dollars back into their pockets.

“I think it’s always been common knowledge that an exterior upgrade to the home is a good investment that increases the property value,” Ken explains.

“The difference I see now is that homeowners are looking at it from the vantage point of improving their financial situation today, as opposed to recovering their investment in the resale tomorrow.”

The Federal Energy Tax Credit allows a deduction of up to $1500 off an individual’s tax return for energy related upgrades to the home. This translates into real dollars now. Energy efficient windows, a properly installed vinyl exterior, and insulated entry doors all contribute to savings in heating bills.

As a homeowner checks off the energy-efficiency upgrades from their to-do list, Perigny suggests a small upgrade that pays huge dividends in the energy efficiency of the home-the basement windows. “Many times basement windows are overlooked when folks upgrade their windows. Either the contractor installing their new windows didn’t know how to do it, or it was not aesthetic, therefore not important to the homeowner, he says.”

The fact is, most basement windows are single-pane glass. This means those windows are allowing cold air to settle into the basement, cooling it faster and causing your furnace or water heater to start up more often to maintain a constant temperature. It is estimated that a furnace will use as much as 20% more energy in a drafty basement"

Another advantage to installing energy-efficient basement windows is the ability to open and close them easily during the summer to ventilate the basement. This is important to prevent moisture and mold problems from developing in the house.

The Federal Energy Tax Credit expires on December 31st 2010. It is important to take advantage of the program by scheduling basement replacement projects early in the fall, before the onset of very cold weather.

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Lisa Bartlett

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