Today saving energy does not mean investing only in renewable energy producing resources. Even a small step such as replacing your existing doors and windows to save energy can go a long way in saving power and pollution. The government today provides excellent incentives for small matters such as replacing your doors and windows as these matter are equally important when it comes to conserving energy.
The proper layout of doors and windows can help a lot in saving energy such as electricity. For example, if there is ample natural light coming passing through the doors and the windows, you don’t need to switch on artificial light during the day. Older windows may cause a draft as well which leads to air passing out from the draft.
Hence you might have to put your air condition on high power which his again a drain on the resources. The government is now promoting the installation of new windows and doors so that everyone can contribute in their own ways about growing green. The main purpose here is to conserve as much energy as possible and use renewable sources of energy.
Since the decision to invest in new windows and doors can be an expensive option, the government provides incentives to people such as giving $1,500 worth of tax credit to purchase energy saving doors and windows for your existing home or new home. This incentive was available to the people till the end of the year 2010 in the year 2007, the tax incentive was $500 credit. The government has now increased this credit by $1000 to make it $1500.
In order to ensure that you are buying the right kind of energy saving windows and save on credit, the government has stated the manufacturer efficiency standards like the 30/30 standard. This standard means that the window should meet the minimum SHGC levels and the U-Factor levels. Both the levels should be .30 or lesser. The U factor means the amount of heat that passes through the window. The SHGC factor refers to how much direct sunlight passes through the windows. The government promotes the use of triple paned windows as energy saving options. You can look for energy star sticker on the window to meet the 30/30 guidelines and avail of the tax incentive of $1500.