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The time to finally upgrade the windows on your home is here! Uncle Sam wants you to cut down on how much energy your home uses. The federal government is so determined to get you to cut down on your energy use that they are willing to help you pay for new, energy star approved windows from The Window Factory.

During the summer months, sunlight pours into your home through your old inefficient windows. This jacks up the temperature and means you have to pay more for air conditioning. With our new low-energy windows you can cut what you spend on air conditioning by 15% while keeping your home beautifully lit with sunshine.

In the winter months those same old windows that keep your home unnecessarily hot in the summer let cold seep in. This makes it even more expensive to heat your home. With low-energy windows you keep the cold out. These windows actually keep the cold out so much that you can save 25% on your heating bill. So with our windows you save a ton of money on your bills and Uncle Sam will cover 30 % of the cost of the actual windows. Why did you put this off for so long?

Do you really think that you are safe with burglar alarms? The fact is a burglar alarm goes off when someone enters your home. Wouldn't a form of security that keeps people out of your home be better? Traditional bars on your home's windows are effective but they also look terrible and can bring down the value of your home.

With House Armor from The Window Factory, you get more protection than window bars offer, without the disadvantages. House Armor is made up of two panes of glass. The outer pane will shatter loudly on impact, alerting you of a possible danger. The inner pane will not shatter despite repetitive, forceful attacks. House Armor windows also look like normal windows and have deadbolt locks that can be locked even when the windows are partially open.

You've invested in high-quality vinyl windows, beautifying your home and taking advantage of the latest energy efficiency rebate programs, now how to navigate through the buzz and claim your cash?

Jim Cory, of Hanleywood, recently outlined the basics of EnergyStar rebate programs in, Glazed and Confused: "...In 2007 "Energy Star-qualified" meant a window was eligible for the $200 federal tax credit available at the time. EnergyStar takes a flexible approach to qualifying windows by matching the National Fenestration Registration Council ratings with one of four specified climate zones. But to be "energy efficient" enough to qualify for the federal tax credit under the ARRA, climate zones are beside the point and only the U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient matter."

With varying qualifications, many hopeful homeowners feel lost in the seemingly endless task of submitting forms and jumping throw regulatory hoops. To ensure that the door or window you are ordering qualifies, check for the NFRC label or check the NFRC's directory of certified products.

Stop by the Window Factory's booth over at the San Diego Fair by Sunday for your last chance at giveaways, prizes and FREE Padres tickets! We've already had a tremendous turnout with dozens of winners and familiar faces, come by booth 1236 in O'Brian hall for your chance!

With record-breaking attendance (over 1.3 million visitors!) , this year's fair finale is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Headliners like Joan Jett and OneRepublic will be rousing crowds as the Monster Truck and Demolition Derby wreak havoc in the background all weekend long.

Swing by the booth to claim your prize and enjoy what is sure to be a spectacular finale!

The EPA has just announced an extension of the Renovation Repair and Painting Rule's certification requirement deadline. Renovators now have until October 1, 2010 to register for training courses in remodeling projects that may disturb more than six square feet of "potentially" lead-contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built before 1978. RRP regulations also warrant against the use of any high-heat guns or high-speed equipment such as grinders and sanders (unless equipped with a HEPA filter) or open torch burning.

Renovators have until December 31, 2010 to complete training and certification programs.  The latest RRP requirements have left many industry specialists' irritated as the lack of approved trainers in most states has jeopardized their chances of becoming certified, costing thousands in lost projects.

For more information on the EPA's RRP Certification regulations, visit the National Home Association's website.