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Windows provide us a way to view the world around us.  They can also help us to make that world a little greener if we choose energy-saving windows.  By helping to reduce your energy bill, eco-friendly windows can save you money too.  ENERGY STAR (www.energystar.gov) estimates that you can save as much as $465 a year on energy bills by replacing your old windows with new, ENERGY STAR certified ones.

In addition to helping to shrink your monthly bills, you can get a tax credit for replacing old, inefficient windows with energy efficient ones.  The recently passed Economic Stimulus package (the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) includes federal tax credits that encourage homeowners to make energy efficient improvements to their homes. Replacing windows and doors with energy efficient products qualifies for this tax credit! Replace old windows and doors with qualifying products between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 to save big.

Cutting down on the amount of energy we all use, saves our finite natural resources used to provide that energy.  It also helps to cut down on the toxins (like CO2) produced when creating the energy.  By purchasing energy efficient windows, you can lower your carbon footprint and help lesson your load on the earth.

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (www.aceee.org) suggests that you look for new windows that have the following energy saving features:

Energy efficient windows can filter out up to 70% of the heat from sunlight and can help reduce a building's energy use by up to 30%.

I like Marvin Integrity Windows (www.IntegrityWindows.com), which are both beautiful and functional.  They area Energy Star certified, have Low-E II coated glass, and are made from Ultrex fiberglass - which makes them have great longevity.  They're superior strength, heat, UV and corrosion resistance help them outlast other materials.