TAX CREDITS are now available for new qualifying windows and doors (and more*) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
1. A tax credit can be taken for 30% of certain energy-saving home improvements which are "placed in service" in 2009 and 2010, with a cap of $1,500.
2. There are stringent standards on which products and energy saving measures qualify for the credit. Nils Petermann of the Efficient Windows Collaborative, quoted in Jim Cory's article from Remodeling Magazine linked to below, says "between 15% to 20%” of available windows qualify for tax credits, but that manufacturers are responding quickly.
3. For windows and doors, the credit applies only to the cost of the materials, not labor for installation. Both labor and materials qualify for certain HVAC and renewable energy measures.
4. A manufacturer's certification that the products qualify is required. However, windows purchased prior to June 1, 2009 qualify if they have the Energy Star rating, which is less stringent.
*Credits also can be taken for qualifying geothermal heat pumps, high efficiency water heaters and boilers, solar water heaters, residential wind turbines, photovoltaic/solar electric systems, fuel cells, biomass storage stoves, There are almost no qualifying skylights available as of 7/1/09.
Links to several good articles related to the new tax credits:
Energy Star's site is a good stating place, updated regularly: www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index
Remodeling Magazine has several articles oriented to remodeling contractors, but with excellent information for homeowners: The Stimulus at a Glance Chart, a summary of tax credits for improvements to building envelope, HVAC systems, and renewable energy measures:
www.remodeling.hw.net/green-policy/the-stimulus-at-a-glance.aspx
Joe Cory's article tackles a fairly complex and confusing subject quite clearly:
www.remodeling.hw.net/green-policy/glazed-and-confused.aspx
Nina Patel's article on taking and documenting the ARRA tax credit:
www.remodeling.hw.net/green-policy/taking-credit.aspx
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) has 2 articles:
NFRC ratings participant list of hundreds of window companies: www.nfrc.org/participantlist.aspx
A 2-page PDF file for download about tax credits for window replacement projects. A quote from that document: "The real savings are what you’ll realize in terms of the long-term reduction in energy bills."
www.nfrc.org/documents/Tax_Credits_fact_sheet_04-14-09.pdf
Andersen Windows and Doors: They have EcoExcel Energy Performance Packages for various of their windows and doors which qualify: www.andersenwindows.com/servlet/Satellite/AW/Page/awGeneral-3/1143432022798
Harvey Industries has another good overview. This site that makes it fairly easy to find which Harvey windows and doors qualify: www.harveyind.com/stimulus_information.aspx
Marvin Windows and Doors has lists of their qualifying products at: www.marvin.com/?page=tax_credit
Pella Windows and Doors has useful links, and lists of their qualifying products at: http://web.pella.com/learnthebasics/energyperformance/Pages/EnergyTaxCredit.aspx
(508) 881-7890
Contracting by an honest and reliable craftsman
NEW: TAX CREDITS FOR CERTAIN ENERGY-SAVING IMPROVEMENTS
