Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-March 11, 2009 Issue

March 11, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 23 Home Improvement & Gardening Window shopping made easy for homeowners many of today’s homeowners are looking for windows that require little or no maintenance. Windows made from composite materials can be a good option for homeowners who like the look and strength of wood windows but also want the low-maintenance features of vinyl. Because of the unique blend of materials, composite windows do not need ongoing staining or painting to maintain their natural beauty, saving time and money. In addition, today’s window technologies offer a new Spring (ARA) This year, as people are staying closer to home, try a home improvement project that involves little effort, makes your house more beautiful and efﬁcient, and can provide beneﬁts for years to come: window replacement. Beauty, comfort, and energy efﬁciency are excellent reasons to replace old windows. Keep in mind that when windows are old, leaky, and do not work properly, they can also be frustrating to operate. If you have determined it is time to seriously consider a window replacement project, Paul Delahunt, president of Renewal by Andersen, says replacing your old windows is easier than you think, and offers the following considerations to help make your project as easy as opening a new window. Choose windows that are energy efﬁcient. Traditionally, poor performing windows and doors have been the weak energy link in homes, often accounting for up to 40 percent of a home’s heat loss during the winter. Make sure you choose windows with energy-saving beneﬁts. Two simple ways to check a window’s energy efﬁ- ciency and performance are to look for an ENERGY STAR label and a label from the National Fenestration Rating Council. Choosing ENERGY STAR qualiﬁed windows can help reduce your energy bills by up to 15 percent, according to ENERGY STAR. Plus, homeowners who purchase and install qualifying ENERGY STAR windows and doors in 2009 may be eligible to receive a one-time credit of up to $500 on their 2009 federal income tax. The NFRC label shows a window’s U-Factor, which tells you how well the window keeps in heat. U-Factors generally fall in the range from 0.20 (most energy efﬁcient) to 1.20 (least energy efﬁcient). The lower the number, the better the window is at keeping heat in. In colder climates, a U-Factor of 0.30 or lower is recommended to get the most energy efﬁciency from your window. Choose windows that offer low-maintenance. Today, homeowners can choose from several framing material options including wood, vinyl and composite frames. Because ongoing maintenance can be daunting, ARA CAN’T WAIT FOR SPRING? SPRING LANDSCAPE PROJECTS Pre Season Pricing in Effect Now is the right time to start plans on your Then Don’t! Weeping Pine Nursery �� Free �� No Obligation Est. & Design �� Total Design & Maintenance Service ��