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Buying Windows in Texas
Texas is all about maximizing resources which is good for consumers and the state as a whole. As a deregulated state, Texans have many opportunities to improve and upgrade their property, with some the cities offering individual incentives and programs along with an available Federal Tax Credit for certain home improvement upgrades. Both the Public Utility Commission of Texas and investor-owned electric providers aim to reduce the amount of energy used by homeowners and commercial business owners. With this kind of support, it encourages more property owners to make the decision to upgrade to new products including single or double paned glass windows.
Texas’s Stand on Energy Efficient Windows
In an on-going effort to encourage homeowners and business property owners to be energy efficient, Texas incentivizes solar systems. Incentives and rebates are subject to change, renewal, or cancellation so, if you are anticipating an upgrade, replacement, or have new construction in the near future, these money-saving programs can help defray the cost.
Benefits of Upgrading Windows in Texas
If you’re interested in cutting the cost of your utility bill dramatically, new windows are the perfect place to start. Not only will you save money each month and add a new look to your property, with upgraded filters on windows such as glazing on glass or the application of plastic film, you’ll also avoid hot spots during the summer. These uncomfortable hot spots can cause your air conditioner to work harder by as much as two to three times its normal usage according to the Texas Home Energy Rating Organization. These types of windows also decrease the problem of too much direct sunlight that cause fading in furniture, drapes, silk flower arrangements and carpets.
When it comes to the performance of your heating and cooling system, new windows have a direct effect. With protected windows filtering the sun’s ultraviolet rays, the air conditioning system does not need to work as hard, or as often, to cool your home.
For the best views, new glazing techniques provide better clarity, eliminating the need for tinted film products. New windows also reduce the chance of mold, mildew, and structural damage due to moisture build-up.
Benefits to the Environment When Installing New Windows
The main benefit of new single or double-paned windows is to the environment by requiring less home energy use. Not will this save you money each month in utility costs, it also means a reduction in harmful greenhouse gases that directly improves the air we breathe, less dependence on fossil fuels, less need for expensive power plants, and a lesser need for importing foreign oil.
Types of Window Frames Suitable for Texas
To get the most out of single or double-paned windows, it’s important to choose the right design and type of window for your property, and what energy performance rate is necessary for your area.
Next, choose a frame. Some are more energy-friendly than others. Before buying window frames, read the information available at Energy.gov for a breakdown of frames and glazing options. On the website, you’ll find information covering the pros and cons about the following types of frames and glazing.
Frames:
With new windows properly installed, you’ll maximize your monthly savings through a decrease in cooling, heating and lighting costs.
Texas Windows Providers and Rebates
Texas is “big” on savings when it comes to installing new windows, with many of the electric service areas offering incentives. These include:
- AEP Texas Central
- AEP Texas North
- AEP Southwestern Electric Power
- CenterPoint Energy
- El Paso Electric
- Entergy Gulf States
- TXU Electric Delivery
- Texas-New Mexico Power Company
If you choose to have double-paned windows installed, in order to qualify for a window rebate, the windows must adhere to the criteria set forth by Energy Star for the specific climate zone where the new windows will be installed. These standards include a specific SHGC – Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and U-factors.
- Panhandle – the SHGC must be lower than 0.40 and the U-factor less than 0.32
- Central Texas – SHGC less than 0.30 and a U-factor less than 0.35
- South Texas – less than 0.27 for the SHGC and 0.60 for the U-factor
Keep in mind, there are several variables that determine the amount of any rebate. This can include window size and the type of property where new windows are installed.
A window installation must be managed by the property owner, or you can use a Project Sponsor located in your area. You can get a list of eligible Project Sponsors from your local utility company.
Help with Estimating Your Windows Rebates in Texas
To determine a rebate, several things need to be in place to be eligible. With this chart from the Texas Windows Initiative, you’ll find step by step information to estimate what you can expect in the form of a rebate.
Return on Investment
Installing new windows has multiple benefits, the most obvious being a new and pleasing look to the property. This is especially evident on older homes or buildings with out-of-date windows.
There is also the benefit of increasing the value of your property. Whenever improvements are instigated, whether it’s a new roof, solar paneling, better insulation, or new windows and doors, you can expect a boost to your property’s value.
Upgrades and improvements are also a plus when a property goes on the market. What you invest in today to improve efficiency can pay off in the future when selling an environmentally-friendly property.
Loans, Programs and Funding Options
There are a variety of funding options from home equity loans, to programs offered by individual Texas cities. The following list provides information on some of the programs, resources, and basic information regarding energy efficient installations.
- Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) – this site is operated by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center and funded by the U.S. Dept. of Energy. Type in your zip code to receive a list of available programs.
- State Energy Conservation Office (SECO)
- Energy.Gov/savings – a listing of tax credits, rebates and savings
- EnergyStar – information about Federal Tax Credits
- Energytaxincentives.org – information about the Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP)
- Texas is Hot – this site has a listing of the major cities in Texas from Abilene to Weslaco that provides specific information for each cities energy efficient municipal programs. There is also a list of utility companies with information about their energy efficiency programs.
Checklist for Preparation of New Window Installation
Once the appropriate windows, frames, and glazing are selected and a contractor is hired, there are a few things you, as a property owner, need to prepare for. If the building has landscaping around the windows being replaced, take the time to cut them back so the installer will have easier access to the windows.
Move any furniture obstructing windows prior to the installer arriving, to give the installer plenty of room to work. This includes indoor furniture in each room as well as any outdoor patio furniture or other type of fixtures such as flower boxes and planters.
Chances are there will be scrapes or scratches to interior and exterior walls during the removal and installation process. Plan to have touch-up paint to repair them. Even if you have a Project Sponsor managing the installation, do a visual check yourself. Ensure there is adequate caulking around the seams of the windows.
There is a lot of information available to help you choose the right windows and contractor for your home property. New windows result in continual savings that will reflect in your bank account while upgrading results is an increase in the value of your property. Put the steps in motion to get involved with home property improvement program that works for you.