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Installing vinyl windows is one of the easiest of home repairs to do that will save money and energy in the long run.

The vinyl window industry has come long ways in improvements for energy savings. Many companies offer vinyl replacement windows at various levels of energy efficiency. Several of which are Energy Star qualified, which in turn may qualify the home owner for tax deductions during tax time.

With the big emphasis on "green" technology, the federal government has been offering tax incentives to home owners who purchase Energy Star qualified products. Many of these products range from something as simple as light bulbs to appliances, doors and even vinyl replacement windows.

When replacing existing windows with vinyl replacement windows, the first step is to get an accurate measurement of the window to be replaced. I recommend starting with one window, to see for yourself how easy or difficult it may be for your own personal level of home repair ability.

Most big box retailers, several home improvement stores in general, prefer to have a rough opening measurement. Vinyl replacement windows do not come in standard sizes because they can be made at the factory to specific sizes. Some windows do have a minimum and maximum size, so be prepared to either up-grade or even change the style of window you want to replace.

The rough opening, or jamb-to-jamb, is defined as the space in which the window will fit. It is already framed for a specific size of window. There are many ways to get this measurement. All of which can be done from inside the house.

One way is to remove the casing trim around the window. You will want to be careful when doing so, because you will be able to save a little extra money by re-using the existing trim. Once exposed, you will be able to accurately measure the window frame. If no trim exists, to measure the rough opening width, move the bottom sash up and from inside the track in which the sash slides up and down, measure in three spaces - top, middle and bottom. Go by the smallest measurement you get. Do not expect to get the same measurement at all three spots. As a home ages, all openings tend to shrink, swell and settle. This is caused by everyday weathering. Temperature and humidity also have an effect on building materials.

Once you have your width, you will need to measure for your height. To get this measurement, you will want to start inside the track at the top of the window and measure down to the highest point of the sloped

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