This year's big home improvement trend is not the hottest paint color or the newest counter top surface, it's practical improvements with a capital P. Homeowners may not be in a buy/sell mode but rather a remodel and remain put mentality, tackling projects that will add efficiency and value to their home, versus aesthetic sizzle. In many areas, that practicality translates into greater energy efficiency and living 'green.'

Living la vida verde Living the green life is now easy. Every aisle you turn to in home improvement centers has energy-efficient, green materials as options - from flooring to light bulbs to heating and cooling systems to even the bag you choose to carry your products home.

Indeed, the greening of the country has gone from being a passing fad to a practical way of life for many homeowners in a budget-tightening economy. The first area to consider; windows and doors.

In a recent national study conducted by Kelton Research, nearly two out of three (65 percent) homeowners believe that energy efficiency is the most important quality to consider when choosing new windows. The virtues of 'green' energy-efficient windows easily won out over other qualities like durability, safety, ease of use, soundproofing and clarity.

In the study, over half (51 percent) of homeowners said that of anything in their home, windows offer the most potential when it comes to improved energy efficiency - more than other products such as lights (48 percent), insulation (48 percent) and heating systems (43 percent).

Surprising news When it comes to remodeling, the virtues of green are winning out over aesthetics. People are looking for home improvement projects that work to add value to their home and add to their monthly savings. In fact, 44 percent of homeowners surveyed said that if presented with the free services of a contractor, window replacement would be more important than a variety of popular home improvements like a kitchen remodel, installing new carpeting, landscaping the yard or building a new deck. A majority of homeowners (51 percent) said their windows aren't 'green' or energy-efficient enough. That fact combined with this new sense of practicality about home improvement projects says that many consumers are truly looking for ways to reduce how much their house actually costs them in monthly bills and upkeep.

When to say now When deciding on when to replace your windows or doors, consider these signs as indicators that old windows need an upgrade:

Poor performance - opening and closing is difficult; air leaks in, out or around the window; condensation or fogging occurs between glass panes; windows are painted or nailed shut and virtually impossible to open

Looks - chipping, deterioration or water stains on the window or the area around the window (inside or out); design or style that doesn't blend well with the rest of the home

Effort - cleaning is a major hassle; replacement parts are hard to find or even non-existent

For more information on practical home improvements that include energy-efficient windows and doors, contact a local Pella® Window & Door Showroom expert by calling 888-84-PELLA or logging on to pellareplacement.com/HRG.