Home improvement expert and Today Show contributor Lou Manfredini was on hand to check out these and other products from Marvin, and he shot this video tour of our booth:

You’ll find the rest of Marvin’s IBS 2010 coverage here — it features interviews with show organizers, highlights of innovative products on display at the show, and details on Marvin’s own new products.

The energy-efficiency tax credit our federal government is offering homeowners will continue to be a driving force for much of the building and remodeling industry, and that’s evident from the focus on efficiency at the 2010 International Builders Show.

The tax credit gives homeowners back 30 percent — up to $1,500 — when they install qualifying products, such as windows and doors, furnaces, roofing or insulation.

Lou talks with Tom Sinning of Marvin Windows and Doors and Kevin Carlile of Trane about some of their highly energy-efficient products on display at the show and available now for homeowners.

After spending the week with architects, builders and suppliers at the International Builders Show, Lou Manfredini files this report on the industry’s outlook for 2010.

Kevin Morrow, senior program manager for NAHB, foresees growth in “green building” — perhaps no surprise, driven by consumers’ desire for green products.

Susan Marvin, president of Marvin Windows, is excited about the positive response to the company’s new products. She says 2010 is going to be another challenging year, but the way to fight through a challenging year is to continue to listen to what consumers want and to deliver high quality and good value.

Jeff Seidel, a builder from New York, says he’s optimistic but realistic about 2010. His company is well-positioned, he says, with a dual purpose: building and remodeling. The firm’s remodeling business was strong in 2009 and will continue to be strong in 2010 — a reflection of consumers’ increasing desire to update what they have rather than try to buy new.

He meets with a representative from Bosch Appliances to learn about their new dishwasher, which operates with a focus on efficient use of energy and water. Lou also gets an introduction to a home automation system by Leviton.

Kevin Morrow, senior program manager for NAHB, talks with Lou about the National Green Building Standard.

Warroad, Minn., December 9, 2009 – The first big snowstorm of the season is socking Americans from coast to coast, marking the arrival of winter.

But it’s not too late to take a few simple steps to winterize your home, helping you save money and live more comfortably throughout the cold months. Here are some tips from TODAY Show home expert Lou Manfredini and Marvin Windows and Doors.

To see these “Learn From Lou” tips on video, along with other helpful home improvement videos featuring Lou Manfredini, visit this page or simply watch the clip below.

“LEARN FROM LOU” WINTERIZATION TIPS

Get a furnace tune-up and replace the filter. A clogged filter and an inefficient furnace could add as much as 5 percent to your heating bill. A tune-up is inexpensive and will not only save you money this winter, but also ensure a longer life for your furnace. Filters should be replaced monthly for best performance.

Install a programmable thermostat. This is one of the simplest, least expensive ways to save money year round. Program your thermostat for a lower temperature during the day when you’re at work and at night when you’re asleep. With the money you save, you can have a toasty warm house during the hours you’re relaxing at home.

Check your windows and doors for drafts. Run a lighted candle around the edge of your windows and doors. If the flame flickers, it’s a sign that you’ve got an energy-robbing draft. Close the gaps with caulk, weatherstripping or expanding foam.

Consider replacing your old, inefficient windows. If you’ve got old, inefficient windows throughout your home, you could be losing as much heat as if you left a 2-foot by 2-foot window open all winter! And when the temperature outside is 0 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature on the inside glass of a single-pane window is only 15 degrees.

Energy-efficient windows can save you 15 to 25 percent on your heating bill while making your home more comfortable. Many Marvin windows and doors qualify for a $1,500 federal energy efficiency tax credit.

Check your attic insulation. Heat rises, and if your attic is poorly insulated, those heating dollars are going right out through the roof. Have a qualified contractor check your attic insulation.