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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was passed and signed into law in February of 2009. Homeowners are now generously rewarded with a tax rebate incentive as high as $1,500.00 should they make qualifying environmentally-friendly improvements to their homes by the December 31, 2010 deadline. The proverbial legislative ink had barely dried, as window manufacturers all over seemingly materialized out of obscurity. Suddenly, everybody and their uncle was now nobly boarding the energy-savings bandwagon, offering window deals of an eternity. Promises were made, guaranteed to slash fuel bills, while rescuing NATURE from the certain impending doom.

Naturally, our green inner child aspires to accomplish our fair share in preserving our environment... not forgetting our wallets. Saving a lot of money on utility costs and finding a bundle back from THE GOVERNMENT seemed like a wonderful no-brainer for many thousands. For them, wasting precious time and money by postponing needed home improvements was simply no longer an option. A large number of others, however, remained skeptical and so are still postponing the inevitable. Perhaps they just aren't convinced that their windows actually need replacing. Or maybe, they just have no idea which window company to trust and even where to begin. In the event that you fall into this latter category, then keep tuned in.

Saving money, saving the surroundings, and collecting a whopping $1,500.00 reward are good things; very good things. That said, there are always a plethora of potential pitfalls lurking on the horizon if we consider energy-efficiency while neglecting the rest. Therefore, I've listed what I regard because the top 10 10 most important things to consider BEFORE choosing the replacement window. I encourage homeowners to use this short article as a checklist prior to getting an estimate on replacement windows.

1. TRUSTWORTHINESS OF COMPANY/PROBLEMS WITH START-UP COMPANIES

Though there are many fine reputable window manufacturers available, homeowners also need to avoid start-up companies. Needless to say, all companies were start-up companies at once. Nevertheless, new figures from InsolvencyJournal.ie reveal that four companies a day went belly up in the initial seven months of 2010, up 22% from once in '09 2009. We've seen window companies walk out business, change their names, and reopen. We've seen companies like Republic and Kensington declare themselves bankrupt, potentially leaving customers holding the bag with worthless warranties and un-serviced windows. We've seen no less than 17 major window manufacturing corporations file for Chapter 11 within the last 3 years.

A word to the wise: Have a look at a company's reputation BEFORE spending your hard-earned cash. Exercise caution BEFORE purchasing from a highly leveraged impersonal company or perhaps a start-up company.

2. HOW LONG WILL A WINDOW LAST BEFORE YOU WILL NEED TO REPLACE IT?

The next thing to consider is how long a window can last. All windows aren't created equal. Windows run the gamut, from the quality of the glass package to the quality of the framing system. Buying replacement windows for the home should only be done once. Most windows are only designed to last 10 to 20 years. Some cheap windows that choose $150 to $200 may only last for 3 to 5 5 years. Some manufacturers claim that their windows can last for 50 years or even a lifetime, but they are often unwilling to back those claims on paper.

3. WINDOW WARRANTIES: READ THE FINE PRINT

Some manufacturers not only declare that their windows will last a lifetime, however they even back it up with a so-called "Lifetime Warranty." Before you get too impressed, you'd be well-advised to read the fine print. Many so-called lifetime warranties are misleading. Many lifetime warranties make reference to the duration of the window, not the lifetime of a homeowner. This type of guarantee is virtually meaningless. read more 's like saying, "I guarantee you that you'll stay alive up until your day that you die." Double-talk. Have a few minutes on the Internet and look up "Lifetime Warranty Definition." You'll see what I mean.

4. DON'T GET "FRAMED" WITH FAULTY FRAMES

There are a wide variety of window frames available: wood frames, vinyl frames, fiberglass frames, aluminum frames, wood frames covered with aluminum or vinyl, and composite frames.Decisions! Decisions! If you wait until a window salesperson finds your doorstep to figure out which frame is most beneficial, guess which frame the salesperson will recommend? Naturally, the one his company sells.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each choice. Get all the facts BEFORE you buy.

Wood frames

Because many homeowners like the look of wood, wood frames remain a popular choice. One advantage of wood is that wood is energy-efficient. Wood is a non-thermal conductor, so it won't lose heat or draw heat in from the outside. The downside may be the constant maintenance necessary to keep wood looking decent. In the event that you enjoy painting, staining, scraping, and sanding, then you should, be my guest. But understand that wood can also shrink, rot, and warp, which means you'll probably have to substitute your windows over and over. That is good for the maker, but bad for you.

Needless to say, some companies treat wood in an attempt to preserve it. However, treated wood may contain toxic chemicals. Also, wood is expensive. Other framing options are much more economical. When we stop to consider the cost and hassle of maintaining wood frames, the price of replacing windows, and the chance of toxic chemicals, wood windows may not be the best choice. Instead, a homeowner could be better advised to take into account alternatives which will save time, money, and a tree.

Aluminum or vinyl-clad wood frames

Next, consider aluminum or vinyl-clad wood frames. Like frames made entirely of wood, clad wood frames additionally require maintenance, though not quite just as much. Aluminum-clad wood frames tend to be more energy efficient than aluminum window frames, though they're much less energy-efficient as wood frames without aluminum. And clad frames have been recognized to hide water infiltration, resulting in costly deterioration hidden beneath the cladding. There have been lawsuits involving this very issue recently, involving well-known companies. Your best bet would be to avoid this technology.

Fiberglass or Composite frames

Some say fiberglass may be the wave of the future. That remains to be seen. T here are some benefits of fiberglass frames. Fiberglass is strong when going contrary to the grain. Since Fiberglass extrusions are created by a Pultrusion process, that is the binding of small glass fiber as well as glue. This is like the process used to produce particle board (gluing of wood fibers). The result is that whenever fiberglass is hit along the grain it cracks such as a hot knife through butter. Remember the major damage on Corvettes if they were involved with "minor" fender benders.

Fiberglass needs to be screwed together, leading to weak joints in the movable sashes. read more and composite window frames also cost a lot more than other types of frames. Plus, given that they need to be painted or top-coated at the factory, some colors tend to fade.

Since fiberglass windows are relatively new on the scene, only a few companies currently make them. Therefore, their long-term performance continues to be uncertain. Fiberglass window frames also cost a lot more than other styles of frames. Fiberglass extrusions should be painted because the sun/UV rays will degrades the glue, making the extrusion fragile and susceptible to cracking.