Energy savings in America

We have the end of the year right in front of us. We supplied thousands of windows in 2010 that will save energy, lower peoples gas bills and reduce our need for energy from all sources. It is a proud time for us in the home improvement industry. We are making America a better place one home at a time.

Energy saving entry doors

Wincore is now offering entry doors. They are all fiberglass and come completely finished. Inside and outside. It also comes with trim on the inside and outside. These new doors with save energy and make your home more secure.

Future looks great for Windows

The Freedonia Group forecast is out. Windows made of Vinyl are expected to see a rise in demand of 10.2% per year through 2014. What a great forecast for our industry.

Energy Saving Siding

Napco's American Essence has been selected as one of the TOP 101 New Products in 2o1o. American Essence is the foam backed panel with great energy efficiency numbers. It is a double 6" panel and looks great.

2011 Energy Tax credit

The new law that was passed today will allow for a 10% tax credit for Energy Star qualified windows with a maximum credit of $200.00. This is not the tax credit that I was hoping for but it is better than nothing getting passed. The industry groups are going to continue to work on a better program in 2011.

Save Energy at Home

Work on the street. Business is up. I keep hearing that business is up for many distributors and dealers in Home Improvements. The increase is welcome news. We are all enjoying supplying more and more energy efficient windows and siding. This will reduce the energy usage of the homeowners who get the products. Saving energy is a great thing for each homeowner and America.

Energy saving tax credits

Window tax credit for 2011? Their is a window tax credit attached the the Bush tax cuts that is winding through the Senate. It is less than the current tax credit but it is something. I will keep you posted on the results when a bill gets passed. We all need some program to help get 2011 started.

R-5 Windows

R-5 Windows
What are they? R-5 windows are windows which meet the energy savings standard of .22u value for operating windows and .20 u value for fixed windows. Most manufacturers are working on getting their windows to qualify. Some have already reached this level.

Vinylmax has reached the R-5 standard with the Easton window by adding triple pane glass with double low-E and argon.


Why do we want R-5 windows? They are more energy efficient. This will lower our need for energy to heat and cool our homes.

More to come on R-5 as the EPA sets up the new Energy Star standards.

Home Buyers are Coming

Recent news shows that in the 25 to 34 age group more are living with their parents. In 2003 only 10% of these young people lived at home and in 2010 13.5% of these same people are living at home. The good news is that as jobs increase these people will become renters and buyers of homes that will increase remodeling on millions of homes around our country. Remodeling spending is good for all of us in the supply business.

Financing Help

Plygem has a new program with EnerBank to offer financing for home improvements. This new program has same as cash options from 3 to 18 months. This will help with the homeowners who want to get the energy savings started but the cash will not be available for a while.

Helping people get energy saving products on and in their homes is important to all of us in the industry and all Americans as we need to reduce our energy consumption.

Energy saving tax credits

Congress is again working on the 2011 tax credit options. They are contemplating between the energy star criteria, 30/30, (which is the current program) and the up and coming R-5 from the department of energy. The Homestar program (also known as Cash for Caulkers) was passed by the house earlier in 2010 but has not made it through the senate. I believe that something will get done but we do not know what it is at this time. We need to continue the work of making American homes more energy efficient. Any of these programs would continue that effort.