New Energy Microsite Provides One-Stop-Shop to Help Homeowners Capitalize on Energy-Related Programs

MEDFORD, Wis., July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Weather Shield® Windows & Doors is launching the EnergySmartSolutions Guide microsite (weathershield.com/energy) and the "Live Smart Replacement Rebate" – making it the perfect time to create a more energy-efficient home. As the innovator of energy-efficient window and door technologies for more than five decades, Weather Shield's microsite is an information hub on everything from the anatomy of an energy-efficient window to the energy credits currently available. Weather Shield is also offering an unprecedented rebate – up to $550 in savings. This offer, paired with the current federal tax credits available, can save homeowners thousands in renovation costs.

"Windows and doors are a critical structural element of the home and require significant knowledge when considering replacement," said Dave Koester, brand manager, Weather Shield. "We want to make the process simple and easy to understand – which is why we created the Web site. Instead of having to navigate multiple Internet sites which can be cumbersome, our site now puts everything together in one place for everyone from the builder and remodeler to the homeowner."

"Live Smart Replacement Rebate"

Weather Shield's "Live Smart Replacement Rebate" offers homeowners up to $550 when replacing windows or patio doors with Zo-e-shield® products. Homeowners can capitalize on the "Live Smart Replacement Rebate" in conjunction with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) tax credit. The ARRA provides a tax credit for qualifying energy-efficient home improvements including windows and doors through December 31, 2010. Implemented through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), homeowners can receive a tax credit equal to 30 percent of their investment, up to $1,500. Together, both incentives can save a homeowner more than $2,000 for a qualifying window and door purchase.

Weather Shield's EnergySmartSolutions Guide

Weathershield.com/energy

Weather Shield's EnergySmartSolutions Guide comes at a perfect time to help homeowners capitalize on all of the public and private cash incentives. The site is also designed to provide homeowners with simple, yet important information so they can decide what windows and doors are right for them from an energy and design standpoint.

Highlights of the website include:

• Rebates and Incentives – from federal programs to local initiatives, this microsite has a summary of what's currently out there and available for homeowners to capitalize on
• Materials and Product Information – everything from what is an NFRC label to the pros and cons of fiberglass, vinyl, wood and aluminum
• The Weather Shield EnergySmartSolutions Video Series – offering visitors short how-to videos on topics related to energy-efficient window and door upgrades, available incentives and more

The site will also periodically include news and blogs that address various green and energy-related topics and current events, such as the status of the Home Star program. Because windows and doors are a significant part of a home's structure, improving this component can result in real future savings. Some important facts to keep in mind:

• Homeowners who choose to remodel "green" can lower their energy consumption by 30-50 percent.
  • Source: http://www.nari.org/homeowners/tips/greenremodeling.asp
• The average payback time for a window with a 20-year warranty is 4 to 6 years.
  • Source: http://www.life123.com/home-garden/green-living/energy-consumption/installing-energy-efficient-windows.shtml
• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home's windows consume up to 3.8 quadrillion BTUs of energy annually between heating and air conditioning - a cost of more than $30 billion to homeowners.

About Zo-e-shield®

Zo-e-shield®, The World's Best Energy Glass™, is a Weather Shield-proprietary glazing system and delivers one of the most energy efficient residential glass available. It can reduce annual energy bills by as much as 30 percent. The Zo-e-shield glazing system is available in a number of configurations – from Zo-e-shield 5 through Zo-e-shield 8 – to fit an array of applications. It features the Real Warm Edge™ Flexible Spacer, EasyCare™ glass coating, multiple layers of Low E coating and argon gas-filled airspaces. To learn more about Zo-e-shield, visit www.Zoeshield.com.

A proud ENERGY STAR® partner, Weather Shield utilizes a number of EnergySmartSolutions to meet the strict criteria of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Using Zo-e-shield® glazing options, the vast majority of product styles meet or exceed the specified requirements, giving homeowners the opportunity to receive the tax credit equal to 30 percent of their investment, up to $1,500. In addition, many of our products can contribute towards points when building a LEED-certified home.

About Weather Shield® Windows & Doors

Weather Shield® Windows & Doors is one of the nation's leading window and door manufacturers. It has been an innovator in green technology long before it became "fashionable" and features Zo-e-shield® - the World's Best Energy Glass™ - as part of its product line. Based in Medford, Wis., the company operates manufacturing facilities in Ladysmith, Park Falls and Medford, Wis. Products are sold nationwide through building material dealers and home improvement retailers. For more information, visit www.weathershield.com or call 800.477.6808.

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Dave Koester

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SOURCE Weather Shield