When the temperature starts creeping up, we all know our energy bills will be doing the same. Everyone is trying to save money these days and there is a great way to help keep utility costs down while increasing the value of your home. With a little investment and usually in one day, new windows can lower you energy bills, help keep out unwanted sounds of traffic and noise pollution and eliminate rattles and drafts. New windows also add a quick pick-me-up for older homes, which add value to your biggest investment.

"Nothing conveys the personality of a home better than windows and doors," said Michele Mittelman, owner of Preferred Glass and Windows.

"The major benefits to new dual pane energy efficient windows and doors are that they reduce annual energy bills 30 percent and now homeowners qualify for a tax incentive," she said.

The federal government has implemented a new tax program that rewards consumers who invest in certain energy-efficient window and door packages with up to $1,500 in tax credits.

Preferred Glass (260-3317) has been in the business for the past 40 years and has replaced thousands of windows. "Windows and doors are vital accessories to your home and can change the look of your home by selecting from a variety of styles from vinyl, fiberglass to wood or aluminum," Mittelman added.

A recent national research study concluded the average rate of window replacement cost was recouped at 99.2 percent. In Los Angeles and Ventura County, another survey recorded an average heating and cooling cost savings of more than 15 percent with the new energy-efficient windows.

Randal Winter of Randal G. Winter Construction, Inc. (799-8089) has been remodeling homes and businesses in the Santa Clarita area for the past 29 years. He said the new window styles offer homeowners and business owners more options for coordinating with their current style.

"The newer windows are easy to operate, quiet and save you energy," Winter said. "With special flints inside, these windows keep out the ultra-violet rays."

Winter prefers casement-style windows for a better seal. They cost a bit more and take a little more time but the outcome really captures the essence of the home or building. "With vinyl or aluminum clad for the exterior, the inside of the window can be wood clad, which enables the owner to paint the window casings to match to rooms," he said.

Once you've decided on replacement windows, complete the picture with beautiful screen doors that show off your home and garden while allowing you to enjoy the cool summer night breezes.

Phantom Screens (799-9226) is a great way to describe these screens. They are retractable, stylish and adaptable to fit any room in the home. When closed, the screens roll into place against the casings of doors and/or windows. Once you open a window or door, the screen glides gently into place. When closed, the screen rolls silently away with no more unsightly screens blocking your view.

Phantom Screens are available in a variety of designer colors from Classic White to delicate Slivered Almond to fashionable Hartford Green and beyond. Phantom Screens can match your needs, including Custom Coating.

So don't let the dog days of summer heat you up or stress you out. If you are looking at a cost-saving and beautiful way to survive the Santa Clarita heat, look into replacement windows and screens. You'll be pleasantly surprised when the electric bill arrives in the mail.