Windows might allow you a wonderfully scenic view of children playing in your backyard, but they can also literally suck the warmth right out of your home on a cold winter’s day. They typically represent the biggest source of heat loss in a home which is why it is important to have the best windows installed that you can afford.

Before you know it, those chilly temperatures will be here and the opportunity to reduce your heating bill will have passed. Early fall is an excellent time to consider how best to heat and maintain your home during the coldest months of the year. Windows and siding are two parts of your home that can have a great impact on your ability to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

One straightforward way to accomplish this goal is by replacing your windows. The most important thing to know when choosing new windows is what their U-factor is. It might be that you have a standard, builder-grade window that has a high U-factor. However, the best windows for cold climates have the lowest U-factors. Some builder-grade windows have a U-factor as high as 1.20. Unfortunately, most people building a home do not realize that for a slightly larger upfront investment, they could potentially save thousands of dollars over their ownership of their home. The best windows will have U-factors as low as 0.30.

Of course, knowing this once you live in a home might seem pointless. However, companies like Heller’s Building and Remodeling, Montgomery County remodeling contractors, are able to fix this problem and improve the efficiency of your home. Replacing your current windows with insulated windows will help you save on your air conditioning bill and make your home more comfortable.

Another way to increase the energy efficiency of your home is by installing insulated siding. According to the Vinyl Siding Institute, “Proper installation of insulated siding is key to its energy efficiency performance.” This is why it is important to hire North Wales roofing contractors who have nearly 25 years of experience getting the job done right. Installation that is incorrectly done can not only affect the appearance of your home, but it can also have a negative impact on its efficiency (Source: http://www.vinylsiding.org/aboutsiding/insulated/install/index.asp)

When determining which siding will provide the best insulation, you need to check its R-value. Unlike a window’s U-factor, the higher the R-value the better. You will find that the R-value of insulated siding is a minimum of R-2.0 and is intended to augment the insulation found inside of the walls of your home. If you were to add on to your home, your building additions can be made with these high efficiency materials in the first place to save you the added expense of replacing them later. Click on siding to learn more.

Additionally, some homeowners might be eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program. This state program will send someone to your home to conduct an energy audit and then eligible households can receive up to $6,500 to complete specific home upgrades such as replacing their windows or upgrading their insulation. (Source: http://www.textbroker.com/a/forum-post.php?topic_id=26253&forum_id=1 )

Replacing the windows and siding on your home is an investment in your comfort and future budget. According to Remodeling Magazine, you can realize a nearly 70 percent return on your investment just in the resale value of your home alone. This does not even account for the decreased heating and cooling costs you will achieve each winter. The key is hiring a reputable contractor to do the work before those cold, winter days arrive. (Source: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2011/costvsvalue/division/middle-atlantic.aspx )