One of the things we've been hearing from homeowners this year about purchasing replacement windows for their homes is NOT that they don't have the interest or intent to replace their old windows, but that they can't get the financing to buy them. This has been disheartening to many because if there has ever been a time to replace their old inefficient windows with new highly energy-efficient windows, it's NOW! We all know that heating and cooling costs continue to climb. And they know that the current $1,500 tax credit for replacing their windows will expire this December. Having energy-efficient windows installed this year would allow them to lower their home energy costs immediately.

Just think about the frigid weather we had this past winter throughout most of the country. Think about the weather this summer -- it's been one of the hottest on record.

So, we all know that replacing those old windows makes perfect sense. But what if the banks aren't willing to finance a home improvement loan? While banks are starting to lend money, it continues to be a challenge for many. It may not be as available as we'd like it to be, but it's better than it has been in quite a while.

As a solution, many Gorell dealers also offer financing from GE Money, and we're pleased to now announce the addition of another finance programs from a solid and reputable financing company, AFC First. Both GE Money and AFC First specialize in home improvement loans for energy-efficiency upgrades. Gorell dealers have already begun to sign up with AFC First so that they can offer homeowners another source of financing, but please ask them about these programs when discussing Gorell windows and doors with them. With financing opportunities like these becoming available, we're confident homeowners will have the opportunities to have windows installed before the end of the year.

Too often we see and hear advertising that screams “Hurry! Once-in-a-Lifetime offer! This price will never be this low again!” And we become skeptical – because next month the offer is repeated and the price may be as low or lower.

The government’s ENERGY TAX CREDIT PROGRAM, which ends this December 31, 2010, should NOT be looked at in the same light. This program, which offers homeowners up to $1,500 to install qualified energy-efficient windows, is a really good one that probably will not be repeated because of our country’s growing debt.

Moreover, another huge reason for homeowners to take advantage of the program is that installing highly energy-efficient windows and doors LOWERS home energy bills – so it puts more cash in consumers’ pockets IMMEDIATELY once these products are installed. That’s besides all the other benefits, like easier maintenance and a more comfortable and more beautiful home.

What’s the catch? Well, it’s not really a catch, but it’s important for homeowners to know that — to get the tax credit — qualifying windows and doors must be INSTALLED before December 31, not just purchased! Some people might say, "But it’s a long way to the end of the year — There’s plenty of time."

Not exactly true. The problem is that it takes time for consumers to research products, meet with a home-improvement company, make decisions about product styles, colors and options and arrange for financing when needed. Then, the contract has to be executed, the measuring done and several weeks are needed for companies like ours to manufacture and deliver the windows or doors to the dealer. Lastly, the home-improvement company or contractor needs to schedule the installation, with new projects going to the end of the line.

The entire process easily takes months, and you can imagine that — as we get closer to the end of the year — the number of people recognizing the need to move on this tax credit opportunity will increase exponentially. I am 100 percent certain that a great many people who want to take advantage of the tax credit program will lose out because they waited too long. We saw it last year with a huge rush in orders at the end of the year. The difference is the credit lasted from 2009 through 2010, so the ones who missed getting products installed for year-end 2009 had the ability to still take advantage of the credit in 2010. Yes, they missed the credit for the 2009 tax returns, but at least they could take advantage of it this year. The credit is not scheduled to continue, and there is no talk in Congress to continue the credit. December 31, 2010, you either have had your windows and doors replaced or you lose the opportunity to save $1,500 forever.

I urge homeowners who need new windows and doors to start NOW, today, to ensure they beat the rush and get both the tax credit money, as well as all the other immediate benefits of having new windows and doors!

In addition to qualifying replacement windows and doors, some reflective insulation products also qualify for the $1,500 federal tax credit program that ends this year. Most homeowners don’t even think about the effectiveness of insulation in their attics for a number of reasons. One is that most people just don’t think about their attics since they’re rarely “up there.” Out of sight, out of mind. Another is that consumers don’t realize there’s anything they can do other than replace all their attic insulation, which can be costly.

Yet, in reality, it's not unusual that 45% of a home's wasted — or lost — energy is through the attic, mostly through radiant transfer. Ordinary fiberglass insulation does little to stop radiant transfer. A good quality reflective insulation, however, can cut radiant transfer by as much as 97%. And this kind of insulation can actually be used in tandem with existing standard insulation. It goes up easily and quickly — and isn't expensive. Reflective insulation is definitely worth looking into. A good web site to learn more about how reflective insulation works and why it's worth considering is http://www.radiaflect.com

At the very end of 2009, there was a surge of purchases of qualifying windows and doors for the $1,500 federal tax credit program. It's likely that many consumers didn't realize that they had another year to have qualifying products purchased and installed.

There will almost certainly be another surge at the end of 2010. This year, however, will be different than 2009 for several reasons:

1. There is no additional year in which to participate in the program.

2. To qualify for the credit, qualifying products must not only be purchased, they must be INSTALLED before Dec. 31, 2010.

3. Contractors installing replacement windows and doors will likely have a backlog of projects for homeowners who want to have their windows installed in time.

If you want to take advantage of the tax credit, you may want to take action immediately. Do your research on qualifying products and make decisions on what to purchase. Contact a dealer from whom to purchase qualifying windows and/or doors and ensure the dealer will install them before December 31. Unless it can be proved the windows and doors were installed in 2010, they will not be eligible for the federal tax credit.

For a concise, easy-to-understand overview of the tax credit program, see http://www.replacementwindows.org/2010/06/accurate-tax-credit-information/

It seems like a long time away, but energy tax credits on replacement windows and doors expire at the end of the year. Just a reminder, on windows and doors that qualify for the tax credit (.30 U-value and .30 SHGC), as a homeowner, you are eligible to receive a tax CREDIT of either 30% of the job -- or a cap of $1,500 (less labor). And remember, this is a tax credit, not a rebate.

Also, certain reflective insulations also qualify for the tax credit. Here's a web site of one that does qualify, www.radiaflect.com.

Here are some details that you need to remember for the tax credit. The windows, doors and insulation need to be purchased for your principal residence to qualify. Also, unfortunately, windows for new homes and rental units do not qualify for the credits. Check with your accountant about other details regarding the credit -- including how much you pay in federal income tax, because this will affect the tax credit you'll receive.

When you make the purchase for your home, make sure you get the manufacturers certification statement -- along with the costs of the windows or reflective insulation -- to include with your taxes.

Let's take advantage of these credits while they last. It makes a difference for the environment, for the economy, and for your personal energy savings!

A window warranty is only as a good as the company that stands behind it. I have seen different versions of a lifetime warranty. Some really do mean lifetime, where other warranties pro-rate over time. It can be a complicated issue that we as homeowners have to figure out, many times on our own.

Here is a brief breakdown of the popular warranties that I have seen. First, here is a quick summary of some ‘name brand’ window companies’ warranties. These companies typically offer a 10 year warranty on parts, and a 20 year warranty on glass. Some of these companies offer a transferable warranty to a second homeowner, while others do not. And the vast majority, offer a product warranty, not a labor warranty. This simply means, homeowners would get the replacement product/parts for free but may be charged for labor in servicing the product.

Another popular warranty is one that is called a lifetime ‘pro-rated’ warranty. A pro-rated warranty may imply a liftetime warranty, but if we examine the fine print, we find out a few things. First, the warranty has a sliding cost scale on it. It may say that after 10 years, we as homeowners, are responsible for 50% of the cost of the product at the date it needs to be replaced. Costs always seem to go up, so it is difficult to get a handle on what our warranty costs may or may not be. It’s safe to say that it will be expensive.

With these types of warranties, we also may find that if we sell our house, the warranty either expires or pro-rates. This may have an effect on the resales value of our homes, which especially during this economic time, is critical.

As a homeowner, I suggest really examining a replacement window warranty before making a purchase. We should be looking for a warranty that offers a lifetime warranty that doesn’t pro-rate. Also, we should look for a warranty that is fully transferable and also doesn’t pro-rate. Obviously the former is great, because we don’t have to worry about the cost of products increasing over the years should something happen to our replacement windows. The later (fully transferable) part of the warranty is great because this helps us in resale value of the home. This type of warranty may initially cost us extra in the window purchase, but in the long run, it is of greater value because it will either save us money or make us money when we sell our homes. If we can find a warranty that also will cover labor, this would be gravy. But the majority of manufacturers don’t include labor in the warranties. But many times, the remodeling company we purchase the windows from, do include the labor.

I hope this helps you in your replacement window buying decision!