(ARA) - Looking to save money on your soaring energy bills? Then start by evaluating the effectiveness of your home's windows. If you feel air through the windows or see faded areas on your carpet, then your windows may not be working hard enough to keep you and your family comfortable.

"You should evaluate the condition of your windows at the change of every season," recommends Bill Lazor, a product expert at Simonton Windows. "If you see unusual moisture or frost buildup on the inside of your window panes or if there are consistent drafts coming in through your windows, those are clear signs it's time to consider a window replacement."

Assess your windows by checking around them for hot and cold spots or drafty areas, which can indicate energy loss. And make sure to seal up little cracks or gaps where air can leak into your home -- these are usually found around windows and doors, in recessed lighting fixtures and in uninsulated attics and basements.

Most people wouldn't consider leaving a window open all winter long. However, some homes have so many of these gaps that "leaving a window open" is more or less what they're doing.

"Every building product and appliance in your house has a lifespan -- and windows are no exception," says Lazor. "We'd like to think that our roof, siding and windows will last forever, but they won't. Depending on the quality of your current windows, you could get 15 or 20 years out of them before a replacement is necessary.

"Older windows can lose their efficiency. They can actually suck the life and energy out of a home causing heating and cooling bills to soar."

The good news is that replacing your windows is actually an investment in your home that will pay you back immediately with reduced heating and cooling bills.

Moreover, industry advances such as increased energy efficiency and tilt-in hardware for easy cleaning can also increase the resale value of your home, since newly replaced windows can be a prime selling point for prospective buyers.

Even better news is that replacing your windows may put cash back in your pocket. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, homeowners can recoup 10 percent of the cost of replacing their windows (up to $200) when installing energy efficient replacement windows. To receive the tax credit, the replacement windows you select must be ENERGY STAR qualified for the region in which you live.

"Windows meeting ENERGY STAR guidelines are proven to save on heating and cooling bills for the home," says Lazor. "Combined with a glass package that meets ENERGY STAR guidelines, vinyl-framed windows provide exceptional energy savings for the home."

In addition to looking for drafts and frost, other tips for deciding if it's time to consider a window replacement include the following:

Tip #1 - Look for "burnt out" areas on your furnishings and carpeting where harmful ultraviolet rays have come through the windows and damaged the interior of your home.

Tip #2 - If your windows no longer open or close easily, or if they need to be propped open, the functional aspect of the windows is gone.

Tip #3 - Check the "fit" of your current windows by having someone stand outside your windows at night. With a small flashlight, stand inside and "travel" around the window's seals. If the person outside sees areas of light coming through, this indicates seal failure -- a probable energy loss.

Tip #4 - Look for condensation inside the glass on double- or triple-glazed windows. This could indicate seal failure. If this is the case, you might need to replace the glass or the entire window.

Tip #5 - Check every window and door to make sure there is adequate weather stripping and caulking which will ensure a secure seal around the openings in your home.

If you determine it's time to seriously consider a window replacement project, make sure to find windows that are suited to your climate. Since vinyl is an excellent insulator, many people choose low-maintenance vinyl frames with Argon or Krypton gasses sandwiched between the sealed glass units. These harmless gasses serve as a barrier to harmful ultraviolet rays so they don't radiate through your windows and fade your upholstery and carpeting. They also help save on energy bills. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when you purchase replacement windows to make certain you're buying windows certified for maximum energy efficiency in your geographic area.

"There are a lot of decisions to make when selecting windows," Lazor says. "We encourage people to do their homework. Research the reputation of the manufacturer, the product you're purchasing and the comprehensiveness of the warranty offered. Price is important, but it's not the most important thing when selecting windows."

As he put it, "Not all windows are created equal. If you choose the lowest cost product you may find yourself very unhappy several years down the road if the company does not offer the follow-up services you require."

For example, because an increasing number of homes are being built near airports, busy highways and in downtown areas, window manufacturers are developing sound-dampening windows to help keep the home quieter. In addition, laminated and impact resistant glass products help protect homes from storms and offer more security.

One homeowner with first-hand experience on the value of replacement windows is Chicago area resident Stu McDowell. To help curb his escalating heating and cooling bills, McDowell replaced 11 old wood windows in his 1954 home with ENERGY STAR qualified windows.

The results? One year after his new windows were installed, representatives from Northern Illinois Gas asked to inspect McDowell's gas meter for possible faultiness. Because his energy usage was so low compared to prior years, the gas company was concerned his meter was malfunctioning.

"There was nothing wrong with our meter," says McDowell. "It was our window investment paying off. We estimate that our Simonton windows save us almost 50 percent on our gas bills. By specifying upgrades like triple pane glass and Krypton gas we made an investment in our home that will continue paying us dividends for many years to come.

"We've got a typical Chicago five-step ranch house like many other area residents. If we're saving this much on our energy bills by replacing just a dozen windows, imagine what other homeowners could save. So, at a time when gas prices are soaring all over the country, our bills are like something out of yesteryear!"

For more information call (800) SIMONTON to request the free booklet, "What Every Homeowner Should Know About Window Replacement."