| Windows that are certified as efficient by the The | | | | To determine if windows or other energy saving |
| National Fenestration Rating Council are proven to | | | | investments should be made, you can run an energy |
| reduce energy consumption. Windows with a u-factor | | | | audit on your home. These audits cost around $500 |
| of 0.3 or less may qualify for federal tax rebates. This | | | | and will result in a prioritized list of actions with ROI |
| credit will cover 30% of cost for approved windows. If | | | | figures. High tech infrared imaging can be used to find |
| you are ordering replacement windows in Denver, the | | | | leaks and the overall heat signature of a property. |
| additional cost to make sure the windows meet | | | | Color changes in walls indicate poor installation of |
| federal guidelines is only around $15 per window. | | | | insulation. Depending on your state, an energy audit |
| These can be ordered straight from the manufacturer | | | | may be required to recoup energy rebates. Denver |
| with low-e coatings that reflect heat. Strategically | | | | windows also need to be double pane to protect from |
| place these windows to stop overheating in summer. | | | | winter storms. |
| Some states have an additional bonus funded by a | | | | To go all-out consider triple pane windows. These |
| public charge on utility bills. Oregon's fund is called | | | | have really caught on in colder climates, where inert |
| Energy trust, and will pay $2 per square foot of | | | | gas fillers make the windows almost as heat resistant |
| energy efficient windows when the windows are | | | | as walls. Some triple pane manufacturers claim a |
| coupled with other energy saving moves. Qualifying | | | | U-value of 0.2 or less. The cost of these windows is |
| moves include sealing leaks or adding insulation. | | | | significantly more than both single and double pane |
| Oregon averaged a return of $400 per customer per | | | | windows. Homes are already being marketed by |
| year for meeting energy standards. Other states have | | | | energy savings caused by windows, especially in |
| trusts that will distribute bonuses from major energy | | | | Europe. Adds touting Green LEED certification are |
| companies to Denver windows contractors. Visit | | | | popular and valuable. |
| energytrust.org to see an example of these services. | | | | |