New Window Replacement Idea

Our window supplier, Sunrise Windows, has come up with a really interesting new window. It's called the Projected Frame window. Basically, any window style can be installed in a wood frame up to 23" deep which is then installed in the window opening. This creates a window that projects out from the opening.

It's a way to get a deeper window ledge for plants and knick-knacks without going with a bulky garden window.

We are really excited about this new option and would be happy to tell you more about it. Just give us a call at 703-369-4446 or e-mail us at info@grecoremodelers.com.

National Window Safety Week

April 4 – 10 is National Window Safety Week. Here are some tips for staying safe in your home and enjoying your windows:

Tip #1 – Practice fire safety drills regularly so that everyone is familiar with escape routes and knows how to operate the windows.

Tip #2 – Safety escape chain ladders should be in every second floor bedroom. Practice how to use the ladders safely.

Tip #3 - Window screens are only designed to keep insects outside and will not support the weight of a child or family pet. Do not leave windows open in rooms with unattended children and pets.

Tip #4 – If it is out of reach, the top half of a double hung window can be opened for ventilation in order to keep small children safe from falls.

Tip #5 – Keep furniture away from windows so that children do not climb up and fall out a window.

Tip #6 – Low E glass will help to protect your furniture and carpet from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.

Tip #7 –Multi-point locks on new windows can provide more protection against intruders.

Updates to the Virginia Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

If you have purchased replacement windows, doors or skylights and are taking advantage of the Virginia Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, it appears that some of the forms have been updated. The original Checklist for Cost Documentation required the contractor give a cost savings estimate and an explanation of how the savings benefits were calculated. The new Checklist does not require this information. The Energy Efficiency Measures Requirements state that estimates are not mandatory for these items.

The Virginia Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program allows Virginia residents to claim up to $2,000 towards the costs of making residential improvements such as more energy efficient central air conditioning, heat pumps and furnaces, boilers, water heaters, windows, insulation and programmable thermostats. Virginia set aside $7 million for the program which began taking reservations for the available rebates on November 4, 2009 and stopped on November 18th after the funding was exhausted.

A second round of rebate funding will be available some time in the future.

Virginia is offering a rebate for energy efficient home improvements

The Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate Program is now available. Check out my prior post on how the program works.

An online form to request a conditional reservation of funds from the Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate Program is available at http://www.dmme.virginia.gov/DE/ARRA-Public/SEPRebate.shtml.

Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebates will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. A two-step process will be used to allocate the money. First, applicants will request a conditional reservation of funds. When a reservation is confirmed, funds will be set aside while the applicant is allowed up to 180 days to complete work. The second part of the rebate process requires the applicant who successfully reserved funds to provide documentation of costs and compliance with all program requirements in order to receive a rebate check.

Applications for rebate reservations that are submitted after funds have been exhausted will be placed on a wait list in the order of submission. If additional funds become available, the funds will be reserved for wait-listed applicants in the order that they applied until funds are exhausted.

Questions about the Virginia Energy Efficiency Rebate Program should be directed to the following email address: FAQefficient@dmme.virginia.gov. Questions will be answered by DMME and posted to a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the website for the program, at http://www.dmme.virginia.gov/DE/ARRA-Public/SEPRebate.shtml.

How to Tell if a Replacement Window Meets the Energy Efficiency Tax Guidelines

A replacement window is one of the eligible building components that can qualify for the Energy Efficiency Tax Credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The tax credit allows a homeowner who installs eligible new windows in their home between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, to take a tax credit of 30 percent of the cost of the windows (without installation) up to a maximum of $1,500.

But not all Energy Star products will qualify for the credit. In order to qualify, the windows must also have a U-Factor equal to or less than 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30.

The National Fenestration Rating Council, a nonprofit agency created by the window, door and skylight industries, developed a window energy rating system. Homeowners can easily see all of a window’s energy performance ratings on the NFRC label that is attached to all products certified to meet the NFRC standards. The label is also attached to all products which are Energy Star certified.

U-Factor measures the rate of heat loss in a window. The lower the U-Factor, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. Look for a rating of 0.30 or less.

The SHGC is stated as a fraction of a number between 0 and 1 and measures the amount of solar radiation allowed through a window. Solar radiation can directly enter a house through the glass and can also be absorbed by the glass and then released inward. The lower a window's solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat it transmits. Look for a rating of 0.30 or less.

For more information and details on the credit, visit the government's Energy Star website and consult your own tax advisor.

With today’s NFRC labeling system, it is easy to tell whether or not a new window will qualify for the Energy Efficiency Tax Credit.

To read more about replacement windows and saving energy, check out the article Window Replacement Saves Energy and the Environment.

And if you live in or near Manassas, Virginia, feel free to contact Greco Remodelers, Inc., for a free no cost, no pressure estimate for your Manassas replacement window project or call us at 703-369-4446.

P.S. For more ideas about replacement windows for your home, check out our new video, Manassas Window Replacement.

Manassas Window Replacement

If you are interested in a window replacement project for your home in Manassas, Gainesville, Haymarket, Dale City, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dumfries, Montclair, Prince William County, Chantilly, Centreville, Fairfax, Western Fairfax County or Warrenton, please watch this video.

Manassas Window Replacement Project Meets Homeowners Expectations

Manassas Replacement Windows

The homeowners owned a 25 year old house in Manassas. Window replacement was the top priority on a long list of remodeling projects. The home contained 14 windows, pretty much standard for the age of the home and neighborhood. The homeowners were primarily interested in energy efficiency; they wanted windows that would help their home stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. But they didn’t want to sacrifice the home’s looks by installing just any window. In addition, they were tired of painting and were excited to learn that vinyl replacement windows never needed painting or staining!

This window replacement project in Manassas gave the homeowners everything they wanted – an up-dated look, better energy efficiency, great looking windows and no need to paint ever again.

To read more about window replacement and saving energy, check out the article Window Replacement Saves Energy and the Environment.

If you live in or near Manassas, Virginia, feel free to contact Greco Remodelers, Inc., for a free no cost, no pressure estimate for your replacement window project by going to http://www.grecoremodelers.com/ or call us at 703-369-4446.