If you are like most Americans, you’ve probably been thinking about all the self-improvement projects you’d like to take care of during the New Year. While we can’t help you stay on your diet or exercise regimen, we do have suggestions for keeping your resolution to tackle a home improvement project that will add beauty and sophistication to your living space. Replace your old, possibly drafty windows with new, state-of-the-art replacement windows. Not only will you be satisfied with the visual changes of your home, you will likely save money with a combination of lower heating and cooling costs, tax credits and the added resale value of your home.

“The desire to build, remodel and reinvent the homestead is a core part of America ’s cultural DNA,” says Robin Avni, senior director and consumer strategist for Home And Garden at Iconoculture Inc. a consumer research and advisory company.

“Whether it’s aspiration, ingenuity or an unwavering ability to pick up the pieces, consumers consider their lives an ongoing improvement project,” Avni explains. “They are ever hopeful, but these days they aim to achieve balance by blending in a hearty dose of practicality while seeking the happiness, comfort and fulfillment they desire in their homes.”

Replacing your home’s outdated and hard-to-maintain windows with more energy-efficient and low-maintenance windows is a perfect way to achieve that balance.

A Style to Suit Every Personality and Budget

As with other renovation projects, there are many choices for the consumer when choosing replacement windows.

Consider the style of your home when choosing your windows. For example, Colonial style homes, with timeless, elegant straightforward facades, lend themselves beautifully to symmetrically placed double-hung windows. Contemporary style homes, by contrast, make a bold statement with asymmetrical designs that re-define modern architecture. Popular choices for replacement windows for these types of homes are casement, awning and fixed windows.

Just as important as your home’s architectural style is your own personal taste and lifestyle. Choose windows that appeal to you aesthetically. Let a custom-shaped window reflect your personality in an unusually shaped room of your home. If your personal tastes trend toward the dramatic, consider flooding your living space with light through large scale windows, which can serve double duty as a design focal point.

While obeying style and personality guidelines are important, make sure new replacement windows are energy efficient.

All high quality replacement windows will carry the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star label, which explains how well the window can keep a home warm in winter and cool in summer. Just as when you choose other products, it always pays to read the label.

After all, while you want new windows to accentuate your living space, you also want to make a wise financial decision, especially in today ’s uncertain economic times.

“High utility bills are like throwing money right out the window. Wasting energy has a huge impact on costs, comfort and the environment,” said Brian Hedlund, JELD-WEN product manager. “No matter where you live, your home doesn’t have to be an energy hog, and we’re out to prove it by demonstrating that energy efficient windows and doors can help lower utility bills.”

Luckily, replacement windows can deliver on both.

Cost vs. Value

While replacing old windows can offer both energy savings and a more beautiful living space, many consumers may wonder if now is the right time to invest in replacement windows. The answer largely depends on their motive for wanting to do so.

Thanks to the economy, you may not see an immediate return on your investment if you ’re renovating to increase your home’s resale value. According to a recent report from Remodeling Magazine that compared job costs and resulting resale values, adding upscale wood replacement windows to a home in our nation will recoup 71.5 percent of its cost. Upscale vinyl replacement windows, by contrast, recouped 76.5 percent of its cost on the national average.

But increased resale value isn’t the only reason to replace your home’s windows. As stated above, new windows can also cut your heating and cooling bills and, quite possibly, qualify you for sizable tax credits.

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signed on February 17 by President Obama provides a tax credit for qualifying energy-efficient home improvements including windows and doors through 2010. Homeowners can receive a tax credit equal to 30% of their investment, up to to $1,500," said a spokesman for Weather Shield Windows and Doors.

Homeowners needing more information on tax credits should contact their local window specialists.

Window manufacturers recognize that homeowners want to save money, which is why they are working hard to provide consumers with the very best in replacement windows.

Saving energy, saving money and increasing the enjoyment of your home. That sounds like a resolution for 2010 that ’s a win-win all the way.