When it comes to winterizing your home, the fundamentals still apply:

* Inspect the attic for proper insulation.

* Inspect the furnace and replace the filter.

* Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

* Clean out the gutters.

* Check for air leaks around windows or doors.

There's an opportunity to do more with winterizing windows and doors, because leaky windows or doors can be symptomatic of larger issues. Take a closer look and determine if proper caulking, more insulation (or weather stripping if it's a door) or a full replacement is in order. A properly installed and maintained window or door helps seal out air and moisture. 

Tax credits

If you're thinking of replacing the windows and doors in your home, the good news is there's still time to take advantage of federal tax credits. Under the new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) economic stimulus plan, homeowners can claim a tax credit up to 30 percent of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient replacement windows and doors, up to $1,500 for units installed in their primary residence in 2009 or 2010.

Pella offers a wide variety of types and styles of energy-efficient replacement windows and doors that qualify for the tax credits. For example, Pella Designer Series windows and patio doors which feature triple-pane glass are rated No. 1 for energy efficiency among top national brands. In addition, Pella's vinyl products offer high performance Low-E glass as an option. This highly energy-efficient window is ideal for warm regions, where blocking damaging Ultraviolet (UV) rays is critical. Pella's product blocks 95 percent of UV light as compared to 44 percent for clear, insulating glass.

Look for the ENERGY STAR as a mark of energy-efficient products, and consult with your Pella expert to help determine which windows and doors qualify for the replacement tax credit. Consult with your tax professional for more information on available tax credits.

Healthy home

No matter where you live, the onset of winter brings the likelihood of spending more time inside. Many elements can contribute to the health and safety of a home - windows being one of them. The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued a call to action to help promote healthy homes

How can you maintain your own healthy home? For starters, try these concepts developed by design experts Amy Ellison Ostberg and Michelle Roberts - the "Seven Design Principles for Healthy Homes."

1. Keep it dry

2. Keep it clean

3. Keep it ventilated

4. Keep it safe

5. Keep it free of contaminants

6. Keep it well-maintained

7. Keep it pest-free

Windows allow natural light and fresh air into the home and provide protection from the elements. Windows can also play a major role in the health of a home. For example, Pella's Designer Series product helps minimize certain indoor airborne allergens. These windows feature optional blinds, shades or decorative panels between panes of glass to help eliminate dust and dirt accumulation usually rampant on common window treatments. A University of Iowa study found windows with traditional room-side blinds collected 200 times more of certain indoor airborne allergens than Pella Designer Series products.

Hunker down and help your immunity

As you get ready to hunker in for the winter, don't let being inside get you down. Flu and cold germs can run rampant in cold weather. Stay warm and help maintain your health by exercising, getting fresh air, washing your hands frequently, drinking adequate amounts of water and allowing yourself plenty of rest. After all, a healthy home also includes occupants that feel their best.

Courtesy of ARAcontent