(HIT) - It seems as though everyone is jumping on the environmental bandwagon these days, but not many know that by making their home green, they can save hundreds of dollars a year through reduced energy bills while adding value to their property.

If reducing your burden on the environment isn’t enough of an incentive to go green – here’s another: attractive tax credits. President Obama’s Stimulus Plan, formally known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, includes an incentive for homeowners to receive a 30% tax credit (up to $1,500) per household for energy efficient home improvements made in 2009 and 2010.

New windows can be a big money saver

	PGT SpectraGuard windows qualify for up to $1,500 in tax credits and help homeowners reduce utility bills by up to 15%.

Older windows can lose their efficiency, causing heating and cooling bills to soar. So, for those who are considering a greener home, new windows are a great way to start the process. PGT’s SpectraGuard™ 2300 series is designed with the latest in energy-efficient technology to deliver a money-saving window to consumers. Making changes to a home can be costly, but choosing to install energy-efficient windows will make your home more environmentally friendly and can help reduce utility bills by up to 15%. Estimated savings vary from region to region depending on current heating and cooling costs and are generally greatest where there are cold winters, hot summers, or both.

"Homeowners face tough decisions when it comes to home improvement projects and should take all options into consideration," said Doug Cross, Vice President of Vinyl Product Stream for custom window and door manufacturer PGT. "However, many are taking advantage of the tax credits provided by the stimulus plan to update their homes in a way that will benefit them in the years to come. Adding SpectraGuard windows is a great option because they are energy-efficient and they qualify for tax credits."

Healthier homes and communities

According to a study by McGraw -Hill Construction, green homes are expected to make up 10% of new home construction by 2010, up from 2% in 2005. The study also shows that green homes can be healthier, due to their use of toxin-free building materials that help combat indoor air pollution. Unhealthy air inside a home can pose serious health risks for residents.

In addition, green certified homes reap many more benefits for their owners, including enhanced profitability of resale and an increase in the durability of the home – a green home is often more durable than most standard homes because of its high-quality building materials and construction processes, requiring fewer repairs.

Green renovation projects are also on the rise. Sebastian Eilert, an architect based in Miami who specializes in sustainable consulting and design services, says more and more of his home refurbishment clients are asking for green-certified homes and energy-efficient products.

"People are concerned about the environment; they want to reduce their carbon footprint," he said. "Even on a budget, there are ways to achieve green improvements such as energy savings and water use reduction. By going green, homeowners add tremendous value to their property and their communities as a whole."

ABOUT PGT:

PGT^® pioneered the U.S. impact-resistant window and door industry and today is the nation’s leading manufacturer and supplier of residential impact-resistant windows and doors. Founded in 1980, the company employs approximately 1,250 at its manufacturing, glass laminating and tempering plants in Florida and North Carolina. Utilizing the latest designs and technology, PGT products are ideal for new construction and replacement projects serving the residential, commercial, high-rise and institutional markets. PGT’s product line includes PGT^® Aluminum and Vinyl Windows and Doors; WinGuard^® Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors; PGT^® Architectural Systems; and Eze-Breeze^® Sliding Panels. PGT Industries is a wholly owned subsidiary of PGT, Inc. (NASDAQ: PGTI). For additional information, visit pgtindustries.com or call 800-284-6019.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center