One of the true benefits of being a first-time homeowner is the ability to transform your house into a home. The care that you put into personalizing your home will be felt in the memories that the years will yield. While many little touches will be relatively easy to incorporate, there may be larger projects that you’d like to undertake to create your ideal home. As with anything that you choose to accomplish in life, you must establish goals to guide you.

Goal development has benefits beyond simply achieving the goal itself. Properly developed goals can be incredibly motivating, and, getting into the habit of setting and achieving them will probably increase your self-confidence. By constructing a strong goal development routine, you can measure and take pride in the achievement of the goals you’ve set.
 
The Seven P’s of Goal Development
The goals that you set need to be plausible, and your plan to achieve them must be precise. To meet your goals, you must prioritize their importance and properly prepare for the steps you’ll need to take for their achievement. Throughout the process, remain positive and maintain the appropriate passion to reach your goals. Finally, gauge your progress on performance and not on outcome.
 
Plausibility
It is important to set goals that you can achieve. There are few things in life more frustrating or disappointing than not meeting the benchmarks you’ve set for yourself. Therefore, your goals need to be realistic. For example, Jim has plans to refurnish his living room within the next two months. The cost to do so is approximately $5,000. Not wanting to incur debt, he decides to use cash. Unfortunately for Jim, he does not have sufficient savings to accomplish this. His current job only allows him to set aside a modest amount of money every month after he’s taken care of his financial obligations. In this case, his goal is inconsistent with the reality of his circumstances.

Setting unrealistic goals can be harmful. You may even begin to lose hope of ever achieving your dreams and give up altogether. By developing plausible goals, you will not only increase your odds of meeting them, but you will also help yourself maintain a positive outlook on the future.

Precision
The more specific your goal is, the more realistic your chance of success. By making the goal specific in nature, you’ll “own” it. Instead of simply establishing the goal in your mind, make it tangible. If you want to install aluminum siding on your house, find a picture that resembles the siding you want. Place it somewhere where it will be constantly visible; this way you can form a personal connection to your goal. You won’t simply be saving money for a home improvement; you’ll be saving to improve your home.

Prioritization
You may have several home improvement projects in mind, so it is essential to create an order in which you want to complete them. Ranking your jobs from most important to least important will help you focus your attention and keep you from feeling overwhelmed when you have multiple goals.

Preparedness
In order to meet the goals you’ve set, you need to be prepared. To do so, you should ask yourself some questions:

• Why is this goal important to me/my family?
• How much money will I need to reach this goal?
• Will this fit comfortably into my spending plan?
• Have I established a realistic time frame for reaching my goal?
• What additional information do I need to achieve this goal?
• What help, assistance, or collaboration do I need?
• What financial obstacles could block my progress?

A good way to prepare yourself to accomplish your goals is to create a “Goal Book.” Commit one page to each goal that you set. Write out the questions listed above, along with your answers for each. This will help you to better visualize your goal and help you to determine how plausible each goal will be to attain. If you find it helpful, place a picture of your goal on the page as a way to “own” it. You can also track the financial progress you make toward completing your goal on its designated page. For example, the living room furnishings Jim wishes to purchase cost $5,000, and he plans to commit $100 of each paycheck toward its purchase. Each time he puts money toward this goal, he’ll write down each deposit and subtract it from the total price. Remember, achieving your goals can be very empowering. Your self-confidence should get a boost every time you review your progress.

Positive Thinking
Always remain positive about achieving your objective. You will reach your goals; it’s simply a matter of time. Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet that “there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” The great man knew that attitude is everything. Sure, you may face challenges on your way to reach your goals, but oftentimes that’s all they are—mere obstacles that you must rise above to reach your destination.

Maintaining a positive thought process will help you overcome adversity, not just in accomplishing your home improvement goals, but in many other aspects of your life as well.

Passion
Anything worth having is worth working for. Each goal you set is important to you, and the passion that drives you toward the fulfillment of that goal is important, too. Just imagine how you’re going to feel when you finally reach the goal. A sense of accomplishment is one of the most powerful feelings that a person can have.

Always keep the achievement of each goal in mind. If you ever find your motivation weakening, go to your “Goal Book” and read the pages you’ve dedicated to each of your goals. Doing so should reignite your passion for achievement and provide you with the energy and attitude lift you need to persevere.

Performance
At times, individuals can lose their enthusiasm for reaching goals that are far off in the future. To help maintain a positive outlook, establish financial milestones for each of your goals. Periodically acknowledging your progress will help keep you moving forward.
 
Remember that “life happens.” Things may come along that temporarily prevent you from reaching your goals, but it is important to get back on track as soon as you can. By developing a solid spending plan, establishing an emergency fund, and remaining committed to your goals, owning a home can contribute significantly to a happy and rewarding life.

To begin defining your home-improvement goals, visit www.firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com to access the Spending Plan section of the website. The information provided will help you to develop a budget and review just how much you can put toward your goals.
Thom Fox is a public speaker and personal finance author who has helped to develop numerous programs for both young people and adults. As an expert in the field of personal finance, Mr. Fox has served as a guest lecturer for the Bruce Wells Scholarship Upward Bound program at Clark University and a panelist for both the Nichols College “Cycle of Debt in America” student Q & A and the California JumpStart Coalition “Innovative Financial Literacy for Youth” conference.

Copyright ©2007 First-Time HomeBuyer Magazine ]]> http://firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com/2009/03/home-improvement-and-decorating-on-a-budget-the-seven-p%e2%80%99s-that-will-make-your-plan-possible/feed/ 0 http://firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com/2009/03/getting-value-for-your-wish-list-be-sure-to-get-a-return-on-your-renovation-investment/ http://firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com/2009/03/getting-value-for-your-wish-list-be-sure-to-get-a-return-on-your-renovation-investment/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:18:49 +0000 admin http://joefrance.com/?p=481 You’ve moved into your new home–new to you anyway–and now you want to change it. Thus begins the process of furnishing, decorating, and making renovations. According to the National Association of Home Builders, most home buyers invest in some type of fix-up, renovation, or upgrade within the first year of ownership. The amount invested varies and depends on whether it’s a new or older home and if it’s a necessary repair or a wish-list enhancement.

When making wish-list improvements, it is important to assess the return on investment and the types of renovations that will augment resale value. Experts recommend that homeowners take into account the condition of the entire house, the value of neighborhood homes, and any projected property value changes within your town. 

Three Connecticut professionals from the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Hartford County provided insight on the question of return on investment from local perspective. Russell Liljedahl of Liljedahl Brothers Inc. in West Hartford, Dan Morgan of Morgan Contractors in Avon, and Cal Tussin of C. Tussin & Son, also in Avon, have been in the building business for more than twenty years. All are recipients of the distinguished Remodeler of the Year award and have earned one or more of the nationally recognized CGR (Certified Graduate Remodelor™), CGB (Certified Graduate Builders), or CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) credentials.  Although they are known for building and design work, large additions, and kitchen and bath renovations; they handle a variety of projects.
Kitchens and baths remain high on the list of popular renovations. According to Russ, Dan, and Cal, these projects can range anywhere from $5,000 to $90,000 or more. Cost is contingent upon whether it’s a modest, mid-range, or upscale remodel. 

Russ says, “The kitchen is not just a kitchen anymore, but the great room where families and friends gather, and improvements can run anywhere from a few thousand to the cost of an average-size home. It’s based on whether you are talking marble, granite, or laminates; state of the art appliances and fixtures; imported woods or specially crafted materials. Many people have upscale tastes, and a customer may bring in a magazine photo of a grand kitchen or bath, but it also has a grand price tag.” 
Dan agrees that today’s kitchen has become the focal point of the home, and people want it to be a showpiece. He says, “Even modest to midrange kitchen alterations such as new flooring, cabinet reconditioning, and new fixtures, can approach $10,000 to $20,000.The key is choice of materials and how labor intensive the renovation is. Many people want a bathroom to be a spa, which costs a lot more than a basic upgrade with new fixtures, a vanity, and maybe floor tiles. Materials can run more than half the cost of the job. Cost is also impacted by scarcity of products, cost of transporting or importing, and the international scene.” 

Cal points out that price is predicated on the size of the area and how difficult it is to remove old flooring, counters, fixtures, etc., and install the new. “It’s a question of time, material selection, and complexity of the project. Another factor is compliance with new regulations and safety codes, which may require the use of more materials and more time.  If you plan to relocate in a year or two, invest in cosmetic improvements as opposed to major renovations.” If you invest in  major renovations and move within a year or two, you may not realize a return on your investment.

Other value-adding improvements include a basement refinish,  new siding or deck, roof replacement, expanded storage and closet space, a master suite, family room or sunroom, and landscaping. They emphasize that a basement refinish can be as simple as repainting floors and installing ceiling tiles to an extensive overhaul involving finished walls, a new floor, special lighting, and built-ins. The experts caution new homeowners to start small and be realistic. Many people overextend themselves within the first year of ownership. Also, the do-it-your-self programs often make projects seem easier than they really are. Anything involving plumbing, electricity, or structural alterations can create a safety problem if not done professionally.

* The 2006 Cost  vs.Value Report compiled by Remodeling magazine, a Hanley Wood publication. The report compares construction costs with resale values for remodeling projects in cities across the country. 

To get more information, stop in at the HBA of Hartford County Consumer Education/Information Booth at the 60th Original Connecticut Home Show & Lifestyles Exposition March 2-4 at the Connecticut Convention Center, produced by the HBA of Hartford County. For more information on the HBA or the Original Connecticut Home Show visit www.hbahousecalls.com or www.cthomeshow.com
         

*©2006 Hanley Wood LLC Reproduced by permission given to the Home Builders Association of Hartford County. Republication or dissemination of data from the 2006 Cost vs. Value Report is expressly prohibited without the written permission of Hanley Wood LLC. “Cost vs. Value” is a registered trademark of Hanley Wood LLC. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

Copyright ©2007 First-Time HomeBuyer Magazine ]]> http://firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com/2009/03/getting-value-for-your-wish-list-be-sure-to-get-a-return-on-your-renovation-investment/feed/ 0 http://firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com/2009/03/%e2%80%98watts%e2%80%99-going-on-with-my-electric-bill/ http://firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com/2009/03/%e2%80%98watts%e2%80%99-going-on-with-my-electric-bill/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:14:51 +0000 admin http://joefrance.com/?p=479 You’ve heard about electric restructuring in the news. You’ve seen changes in your electric bill, but sometimes it’s hard to understand what’s going on with our electric bills and electric companies, because there have been a lot of changes in the last few years.

We depend on electricity in our homes and businesses for lighting, heating, cooling, running appliances, and, of course, all our electronics. If we depend on electricity, we as first-time home buyers will therefore probably be paying more attention to our electric bills as we create our budget each month. It is important to understand how our electric bill works and what choices we have as homeowners. 

The Consumer Education Outreach Program (CEOP), created by the Connecticut Legislature and administered by the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC), informs electric consumers about electric competition and changes in the way we buy electricity. Connecticut’s electric market is open to competition, giving electric consumers the power of choice. This means that we, as consumers, can choose the company that sells us our electricity.

Electric Restructuring

To understand electric restructuring in Connecticut, we need to first understand how Connecticut’s electric industry is structured. There are three parts involved in getting electricity to consumers. First is generation, the production of electricity at the generating plant. Next is transmission, the high-voltage towers and lines that carry the electricity. Finally, there is distribution, the poles and wires that carry the electricity into our homes and businesses. 

In the past, all three parts of the electric system were provided by the distribution companies, Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) and United Illuminating (CL&P). In 2000, this three-part system was restructured. The only part of the system affected by Connecticut’s restructuring law is generation. 

The generation, or production, of electricity is open to competition, and as a result is no longer regulated by the DPUC, which means that we now have a choice of suppliers. We can choose which company supplies our electricity based on what’s important to us, such as price, additional services that may be offered, or whether the power is made from clean, or renewable, energy sources. Transmission and distribution continue to be regulated by the DPUC and provided by CL&P and UI. These parts of the system continue to be regulated to maintain reliability of service.

The Rising Cost of Electricity

In 2006, CL&P’s generation service charge increased 22.4%. and in January of 2007 it increased an additional 7.7%. For UI, which is Connecticut’s other major electric distribution company serving the New Haven and Bridgeport areas, the generation service charge increased almost 50%. It is easy to understand why the number-one question on everyone’s mind is, “Why are my rates rising?”
The cause is rising fuel costs, a direct result of the recent hurricanes. These hurricanes have delayed fuel and energy production. In addition, there is continuing turmoil in oil-producing countries. Also, natural gas prices have risen dramatically, which directly impacts many of the generating plants in New England because they rely on natural gas to create electricity. These increased costs are reflected in the wholesale price of electricity. 

There are also federally mandated charges because electricity can’t reach some parts of the state because transmission wires are undersized and need to be upgraded. As a result, more expensive, less efficient plants still operate. Finally, there is the growing demand for electricity in Connecticut.
It’s important to remember that UI and CL&P don’t set the price for electricity, because they no longer own the generating plants. What they continue to own are the poles and wires that deliver the power to our homes and businesses. UI and CL&P buy electricity at market rates and deliver it to our homes and businesses. Also, we continue to call these companies when the power is out, and they continue to bill us for their repair and maintenance services.

The Electric Bill

Every month, we consumer pay the Amount Now Due, but what does that include? It includes the kilowatts used (the total amount of electricity consumed), state and local taxes, costs for maintaining the system, and federal charges for generation deficiencies.
When it comes to the actual cost of electricity–the price per kilowatt-hour–there are several determining factors. The cost and availability of the fuel used for the power generation is the largest factor, but there are also transmission costs and the expense of operating and maintaining the generation plants.

Have your electric bill in front of you before you read this section
CL&P

Take a look at the portion of your bill that gives you options. If you look at page two of a CL&P bill, you’ll see a breakdown of costs. Focus on the portion titled Supplier Services Detail. The total of the first two line items, Generation Service Charge/ Energy Adjustment Clause Charge, along with FMCC Generation Charge represent the Total Supplier Services. When it comes to electricity, your options will be reflected here.

UI

This bill is a little different. On page two, you’ll see a heading titled Total Generation Service Charges. If you focus in on that, you’ll see Generation Service Energy and Bypassable FMCC. The total of the two represent what you’re paying for electric generation.

You Have Options

When it comes to rate plans, you have several options. Standard Service is the electric power that is being supplied by CL&P and UI to customers who did not choose an electric supplier/aggregator; however, you also have a choice of alternative suppliers/aggregators who are licensed and registered by the DPUC. These are independent companies that provide competitive electric generation services. For these options and to learn more, visit www.WattsNewCT.com or call toll-free 888-922-DPUC (3782).

Helpful Terms

Aggregator
An entity registered with the DPUC that brings a group of consumers together to buy energy in bulk

Clean Energy
Electricity generated by sources such as wind, solar, water, and other nonpolluting, renewable sources

Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC)
The agency of the state government that regulates the public utilities of electric, natural gas, and water services, as well as parts of telecommunications and cable television. The DPUC licenses electric suppliers, educates consumers, and provides information about electric choice 

Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC)
An independent state agency charged to act as the advocate for consumer interests regarding matters concerning public service companies, electric suppliers, and certified telecommunications providers 

Electric Distribution Company
A company regulated by the DPUC that delivers electricity generated by others. The electric distribution companies in Connecticut. CL&P and UI no longer generate electricity; however, they continue to own and maintain the poles and wires that deliver electricity and continue to respond to power outages. 

Electric Supplier
A company licensed by the DPUC that provides electric generation services to customers. This is the company you choose to supply your electricity. 

Generation
The production of electricity

Standard Service
The rate charged for electricity provided by CL&P or UI to customers who have not chosen a competitive electric supplier/aggregator

 Transmission and Distribution
The delivery of the electricity from the power plant across the high voltage towers and lines, and the wires and poles into your home or business

Copyright ©2007 First-Time HomeBuyer Magazine ]]> http://firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com/2009/03/%e2%80%98watts%e2%80%99-going-on-with-my-electric-bill/feed/ 0 http://firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com/2009/03/home-enhancements-for-the-first-time-home-buyer/ http://firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com/2009/03/home-enhancements-for-the-first-time-home-buyer/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:13:27 +0000 admin http://joefrance.com/?p=477 by Chuck Oakes

Welcome to the world of the homeowner! Perhaps you are fortunate to build your new place, or like most people, have moved into an older place. Either way, you might explore ways, gadgets, gizmos, and devices to enhance the quality of life in your new space. 

Two words of wisdom came from my real estate agent: “Think resale!” Although it’s natural to enjoy the moment and your achievement, it’s best to think long-term, when it comes to real estate. If you make any modifications or renovations in your home, try to avoid major changes that might not be appreciated by the next owner. 

Let’s start with matters of safety and security for your new place. Regardless of where you live, you want to begin by securing your home by doing a basic home evaluation to include the following:

• Fire, smoke, and radon prevention and detection (affordable extinguishers and detectors)
• Locks
• Visual accessibility from outside (can would-be burglars see into your home without your knowledge? Assess your outside landscaping with security in mind.)

Keyless locks can be handy. Also, the combinations can be changed periodically for security purposes. It also might be advisable to ask a trusted neighbor to have your keys or the combination to your locks for emergency access to your home.

Lighting 

Although lighting plays an important part in the safety and security in a home, it can also create just the right ambiance for special moods and events.

Important considerations include:

• Emergency lighting in event of power failure
• Entryway lighting
• Motion-detector lights for safety, security, and convenience inside and outside
• Whole-house lighting control systems (see Sights below)

Sensory Supported Spaces

Recognizing and celebrating the fact that we, as sensory beings, are stimulated and influenced greatly by our surroundings through our various senses, it makes good sense to acknowledge what other societies have known for generations–that our environment can affect our health, behavior, attitude, and well-being. Let’s begin our journey into the realm of enhancement by looking at the following senses and how we might incorporate them into our new abode.

Scents Make Sense

For centuries, civilizations have used aromas to enhance productivity, wellness, and health. The Greeks used aromas in the sails of their ships and in the mortar of their homes to enhance their quality of life. When you next walk into your local mall, you will notice the affect that aromas have on you. They are everywhere, from the cinnamon rolls, leather items, fragrance counters, and so forth. 

There are essentially two considerations for aromas:

• Air quality
• Air enhancement

 Leyden House has manufactured a variety of units that address both quality and enhancement. They release micro-particles of essential oils that are safe and anti-microbial. Besides creating a fresh, natural aroma, the floating particles adhere to dust mites and other smaller particles in our environment. The essential oil is released only when the circulating fan goes on. The company has various blends, some strongly anti-microbial, but with a pleasing scent. Other blends are relaxing, stimulating, romantic, or contribute to respiratory health. These essential oil diffusers have proven themselves safe and effective in hospitals and assisted living institutions, as well as private residences. The company also develops and sells custom blends of essential oils for specific needs. Upcoming for the future is a whole-house unit. Retail prices begin at $80.00 for a room model. 

As for air quality and purification, there are several methods of cleaning the air, including the following:

• Ozone use
• HEPA filtration
• Ionization
• Carbon filters
• Germicidal Ultraviolet light (UV)

Each approach has its pros and cons. For instance, HEPA filters are great and are used by many hospitals for removing airborne particles; however the filters can be costly. Using ozone to clean pools and the air without chemicals can be effective, but as with chemicals, using ozone can be harmful if not managed properly. The Surround Air Purifier-Ionizer line of products combines all of the features and methods listed above. The XJ 3000 shown retails for $179.00 and is great for a large room. I particularly like the fact that the combination of techniques are used with some flexibility

Sights (automated lighting)

 Automated lighting systems are one of the smartest items that should be included in every home. Automated lighting systems can reduce crime (and perhaps your insurance premiums), reduce the chance of falls and injuries, and also add some nice control of the atmosphere and ambiance of a room setting. As for cost, they start around $60 at the local home improvement retailer, and the price goes up depending upon complexity of capabilities and whether or not you have to install the units into the walls. If you have the luxury of designing home automation while building your home, great; if not, automated lighting might have to be limited to tabletop systems.
Sounds (and Sights)

When you think about home enhancements of your audio/entertainment system, consider the following:

• Before investing in a new or upgraded home entertainment system, think carefully on the reason for upgrading. Design the system to satisfy your anticipated needs and requirements. Take time to carefully plan. Again, think resale!
• Ceiling speakers are round to blend with round ceiling lights.
• In-wall speakers are usually rectangular to blend into the angles of the walls.
• Install speakers throughout the house, if possible with control units (or volume control) in each room.
• Televisions should not be above the fireplace, which is not only too high, but might become too hot.
   
• Bathroom speakers can be handy.

House automation systems can be costly, but really handy for all ages and abilities; however, they are usually not for the first-time home buyer.

For Some Fun
After you do what’s right, safe, and secure for your family and future owners, you might want to consider indulging yourself with an awesome product that truly is unique and fun. Lopi gas fireplaces not only heat your place, but also provide some really cool features, such as aromatherapy and a disappearing feature that hides the fireplace with a one-way mirror when not in use.

For more information, try these:

• Leyden House 800-754-0668 www.leydenhouse.com
• Surround Air www.surroundair.com 888-812-1516
• LiteTouch Inc. www.litetouch.com 801-486-8500 
• Smarthome Automation 800-762-7846 www.smarthome.com
• InTouch LLC home automation and networking 203-284-8875 www.intouchc.com
• HGTV.com “I Want That” series
• www.sonystyle.com for the latest in Sony products 877-865-SONY
• Lopi Stoves www.lopistoves.com

Chuck Oakes is a published photographer and author. He is also a speaker and consultant. His concept of “Sensory Supported Spaces” is the focus of his latest book, Making Your Home Senior-Friendly. For more information, visit www.chuckoakes.com or call 860-644-1128.

Copyright ©2007 First-Time HomeBuyer Magazine ]]> http://firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com/2009/03/home-enhancements-for-the-first-time-home-buyer/feed/ 0 http://firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com/2009/03/know-the-ups-and-downs-of-replacement-windows/ http://firsttimehomebuyermagazine.com/2009/03/know-the-ups-and-downs-of-replacement-windows/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:12:10 +0000 admin http://joefrance.com/?p=475 by M. Lynch

Warmer weather is here, and with it comes a list of home improvement projects to tackle before winter returns. If you are considering whether to replace your windows, here is some valuable information and potential financial help.

Do You Need New Windows?

Do you really need new windows? To know for sure, evaluate the condition of your windows. If you have single-pane windows without storm windows, you would benefit at the very least from the installation of storm windows. Properly installed and caulked storm windows make a substantial difference in hindering unwanted air flow throughout your home.

If you have double-pane windows that are in good condition but you feel a draft from around the window frames, you need to confirm that the caulking and insulation around the windows are intact. If you are uncertain how to check, ask a construction professional or retailer for help or visit Web sites such as www.energystar.com for more information. If air leaks in between the frame and sash (the moving part of the window), and you are certain your windows are installed correctly, you most likely need to replace your windows.

Why New Windows?

Immediate comfort and long-term cost benefits are reasons for considering replacement windows. Low-e glass coatings and insulated glass, with or without gas fills, can significantly reduce winter heat loss and summer heat gain and make your home more comfortable. The resulting comfortable temperature minimizes the amount of energy required to heat or cool your home and reduces the effort required of your heating and cooling systems, which in turn extends their long-term operation.

New windows increase the value of your home, should you consider selling. For nineteen years, Remodeling Magazine, has published an Annual Cost l v. Value Report on a variety of home improvement projects, including window replacement. Its 2005 report states that by replacing ten 3’ x 5’ double-hung windows, 90% of the cost of the replacement windows would be recouped at the time of reselling the home. This percentage was up from 84.5% from the year before, because of higher energy prices.

If old rattling window frames keep you awake on windy nights, new windows can eliminate the problem. The tight fit and insulating quality of new windows also makes the general outside noise less noticeable.

Richard Holt, the owner of an old farmhouse in Glastonbury, Connecticut, replaced his windows in 2005 and says he is amazed at the difference the windows have made over his old storms/window combination. He immediately noticed a decrease in the winter winds that blew in around the windows, and the rattling sounds that kept his family awake at night stopped when he replaced the old windows. He estimates he saves about $250 in heating bills each winter. At that rate the windows will pay for themselves in saved heating costs in seven years, and he is certain the new windows increased the resale value of the home because of the enhanced appearance and the energy savings he can report to prospective buyers.

What to Look For

The window industry measures the energy efficiency of products in terms of thermal transmission, or U-factor. U-factor measures the rate of heat transfer through a product. The lower the U-factor, the lower the amount of heat loss and the better the window is at insulating a building.

Emissivity is the ability of a window to absorb certain types of energy and radiate that energy through itself and out of a room. Certain types of windows are referred to as “low-e”, the lower the emissivity of the window, the lower the rate of heat loss.  Use of low-e glass improves the thermal performance of the window.

To simplify the evaluation process, the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) developed a universal standard for rating windows. When comparing window performance, always ask to see the NFRC label or label certificate, which will list the U-factor of the window. Also, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy introduced an ENERGY STAR rating system that makes it easy to identify energy-efficient products, including windows. If energy savings is your focus,  look for an ENERGY STAR rated window with a U-factor of .35 or lower.

Who Should Install Your Windows?

If you are particularly handy at home repair projects, with proper guidance and direction, you could probably install your own windows. Correct measurements of the window openings are essential. If you choose to do the work yourself, buy your windows from a known and established retailer and get directions from them on how to correctly measure for and install your windows. Installing your own double-hungs is very straightforward; the more complicated a window project, such as a bay or bow, the more you might want to consider getting professional help.

There are two types of professionals involved in the window buying process–the one making the windows, and the one installing them. Your criteria for selecting both should be the same. Look for a company that manufactures and/or sells energy efficient products, has a reputation for providing good service, has been in business a significant amount of time, and provides a warranty. The Better Business Bureau is always a good resource for businesses you can trust.

Even the most energy-efficient window must be installed properly to ensure that it operates correctly and provides its best energy performance. No amount of money saved by installing windows yourself, or purchasing windows without appropriate documentation and warranties, will make up for what it will cost you to have the windows reinstalled or replaced if the job is installed incorrectly or the windows are not well made. In addition, even if your window is warranted, incorrect installation may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Find out all this information before deciding what to install and who to install it.

Financial Assistance

Thanks to the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, homeowners in the US can claim tax credits if they upgrade their primary residence with energy-efficient building components, including exterior windows, in 2006 and 2007. Ten percent of the window purchase price, up to a maximum of $200, can be deducted from the homeowner’s income tax. To request this tax credit you need IRS Form 5695 and documentation from the window manufacturer.

In addition, the State of Connecticut declared a sales tax exemption on home weatherization products purchased between June 1, 2006, and June 30, 2007. If you purchase low-e windows or doors, caulking, window film, or window and weather strips during this time period, no sales tax will be charged.
Additional financial-help programs worth investigating, include the following:

WRAP Weatherization Program by Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) for customers who use more than 2,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year with a household income at or below 60% of the state median income qualify for free inspection of windows, weatherization stripping, and other relevant parts of the home (www.cl-p.com/clmres/energy/wrap.asp).

The Energy Conservation Loan Program from the Connecticut Housing Investment Fund offers loan financing for home renovations (including windows) with up to $15,000 for single family homeowners and up to $2,000 per unit for owners of multifamily property www.chif.org/owner_borrowers/index.shtml#energy).

Massachusetts Residential Conservation Services Program provides information on in-home programs, incentives, and rebates toward the installation of ENERGY STAR qualified equipment and products offered by Massachusetts member utility companies (www.masssave.com). 

 

If these programs don’t apply to you, check with your utility company for local resources or visit www.energystar.gov for listings by state. Contractors in your state who participate in a locally sponsored Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program can help you cost-effectively improve your home’s energy efficiency. These specially trained contractors evaluate your home using state-of-the-art equipment and recommend comprehensive improvements that will yield the best results. These contractors can also help you take advantage of federal tax credits for energy efficiency improvements.

Informational Links:

ENERGY STAR: www.energystar.gov
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC): www.nfrc.org
Alliance to Save Energy: www.ase.org
Efficient Windows Collaborative: www.efficientwindows.org

Fenestration* Fact:

According to the US Department Of Energy, windows currently account for 3.5 quadrillion BTUs in US energy consumption at a cost of $20 billion per year (British Thermal Unit is a unit of energy used in North America)

The ENERGY STAR window program reports that:

o An average household spends more than 40% of its annual energy budget on heating and cooling costs.

o Household energy costs in most US homes could be reduced by 15% by installing more energy efficient windows

o If all residential windows in the US were replaced with the more efficient ENERGY STAR qualifying models, we’d save $7 billion in energy costs over the next fifteen years, enough to light every home in the New York metropolitan area.

* CL&P reports that if every household in the United States lowered its average heating temperature six degrees over a twenty-four-hour period, we would save the equivalent of more than 570,000 barrels of oil a day.

* Fenestration = the arrangement, proportioning, and design of windows and doors in a building.

Anatomy of an Energy-Efficient Window -reprinted from www.EnergyStar.gov.
M. Lynch is the marketing manager for Mercury Excelum Inc. of East Windsor, Connecticut. She can be reached at 860-292-1800 or www.mercuryexcelum.com.

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