The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has provided unprecedented tax incentives to encourage homeowners to upgrade parts of their homes to make them more energy efficient.

“But while these tax incentives are great opportunities for homeowners to cut the cost of home improvements and provide homeowners up to $1,500 to do things such as replace windows, homeowners need to educate themselves so they make the best decisions possible concerning home improvement,” says Carl Pedersen, North Dakota State University Extension Service energy educator.

Homeowners who are considering replacing windows need to first evaluate the need and determine if window replacement is the best choice for energy reduction. While windows wear out through time and are certainly a source of energy loss in most homes, replacing them is not always the most cost-effective alternative. Even the most energy-efficient windows still will allow energy loss from a home compared with a properly insulated wall.

Many times, homeowners can do a few simple things to reduce energy loss from windows. Those things often are free or cost only a few dollars, according to Pedersen.

Temperature fluctuations in building materials cause seals around windows to expand and contract, which will cause them to fail. Inspecting the seals around windows yearly and replacing any caulk or weather stripping that looks worn can be just as valuable as replacing an entire window.

Air infiltration, which is air leaking into or out of a home, can be a very significant energy waster. Replacement windows will have a rating to indicate the amount of air leakage the window will have.

Window coverings also can improve the energy efficiency of a home and can be very cost friendly if homeowners do the projects themselves, Pedersen says. Window coverings can reduce the amount of air that moves across the window surface as well as through the window. This will help retain heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.

In the winter, as the air around the window cools air next to the window, it becomes denser and drops. That air is replaced by warmer air from inside the home. This creates a convective current and can create a drafty feeling next to the window. A properly installed window treatment, such as a quilted shade, can reduce this transfer of air and make a home more comfortable.

Actions as simple as opening and closing window treatments also can reduce energy consumption in a home. In summer, closing window treatments on windows that face the sun can reduce cooling costs. In the winter, ensure drapes and blinds are open to allow the sun to heat a home for free. You might be surprised how much heat the sun can provide for a home, Pedersen says.

Window films are another cost-effective home improvement project. Homeowners can install the films themselves or have a professional do the job for them. A number of different films are available. Some films are attached to window frames and have heat-shrink capabilities. These types of films generally are used to add another layer that creates an air pocket to reduce the transfer of cool air and heat loss. They are fragile and not meant to last more than a season.

Other films can be attached directly to windows and are used to reduce the heat transfer through radiation. These films will block a certain percentage of heat passing through the window in the summer to reduce cooling bills; in the winter, they’ll help by reflecting heat back into a home.

An added benefit is that they also block ultraviolet radiation that causes furniture and fabrics to fade. If homeowners are looking to take advantage of tax credits, some of the window films qualify for the $1,500 tax credit.

“Be leery of advertisers’ claims to reduce energy bills by huge percentages as a result of replacing old windows,” Pedersen cautions. “While this may be true in some cases, oftentimes the cost to replace windows can take years to pay off in reduced energy bills.”

For more information on this or any other energy-related topic, contact Pedersen at (701) 231-5833 or carl.pedersen@ndsu.edu or visit the NDSU energy Web site at http://www.ndsu.edu/energy.

NDSU Agriculture Communication