The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides federal tax credits for eligible building components that improve energy efficiency, this includes energy efficient replacement windows and doors. To meet the eligibility performance criteria under the Act, windows, doors and skylights must have both a U-Factor equal to or less than 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30.

Renewal By Andersen windows qualify for this rebate. There is more information online and you can contact us for details. Renewal by Andersen® windows and patio doors help increase your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. You may qualify for a federal tax credit up to $1,500 on your federal income tax!

There is a great article online today at the Environmental Leader that offers five tips to cutting energy costs at home and at your business. Among the items suggested include determining how much you can save by doing an audit. There are several free Web tools available including Industrial Energy Audit’s tool that bases potential energy savings on annual energy spend.

There are eight key areas — heating and cooling systems, hot water heaters, washers and dryers, lighting, refrigerators, electronics, dishwashers and miscellaneous (cell phone chargers, home security systems, wall-mounted vacuum cleaners, etc.) — where home owners can reduce energy vampires that include coffee makers, cell phone chargers, cable boxes and computers.

Of course, replacing your windows with Renewal By Andersen is a great way to reduce your energy costs as well.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) have recently named Andersen Corporation as a 2010 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award winner for the Product Manufacturer—Windows category for its family of brands, including Andersen Windows, Renewal by Andersen, Eagle Window and Door and Silver Line.

The 2010 Partner of the Year awards are given to manufacturers and retailers that successfully promote and deliver ENERGY STAR qualified products, saving consumers money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Award winners are selected from more than 17,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

Andersen has been part of the ENERGY STAR program since its inception in 1998 and was the first window manufacturer awarded the ENERGY STAR National Window Partner of the Year in 1999. This year, Andersen again will be honored for its leadership in manufacturing products that earn the ENERGY STAR moniker, the government-backed symbol of energy efficiency. This distinction honors Andersen’s ongoing commitment to providing energy-efficient products, as well as the company’s comprehensive use of ENERGY STAR information in media relations, consumer education programs, advertising, web sites and training materials.

“Andersen’s commitment to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability is more than a trend or slogan. Our commitment goes back as far as Andersen itself – more than 100 years. It is in our nature, our company culture, and every product we create,” said Jay Lund, president and chief operating officer of Andersen Corporation. “Andersen is proud to be recognized by ENERGY STAR for providing energy-efficient products helping customers save money and conserve valuable natural resources.”

For more information about Renewal By Andersen windows in Phoenix and Las Vegas visit our web site.