Tax Credits: The top question this year seems to be about the tax credits........

Criteria for Tax Credit for Efficient Windows and Doors

• must be installed in 2009 and 2010 in primary residence only
• 30% of purchase price up to $1500 for qualified energy efficient improvements
• installation costs are not eligible for tax credit
• NFRC - certified energy ratings: U-factor of 0.30 or less and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or less
• signed statement by manufacturer that certifies the product complies to above criteria must be held in homeowner's records
• glass replacement does not qualify for credit
• IRS Tax form 5695-available here - http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf

There is a good easy to understand summary with any links you might need here at the Efficient Windows Collaborative This group  provides unbiased information on the benefits of energy-efficient windows, descriptions of how they work, and recommendations for their selection and use.

Most of our products are eligible for the Tax Credit and we will handle getting you the paperwork you will need to claim your credit.

Think Green!!!! 

Remember - The real  savings are what you will save in the long run on energy bills.  Updating to energy efficient windows and doors can save hundreds of dollars on energy.  It will also help to conserve limited resourses.........BUT...........Even with the tax credit, it may make more sense to repair your existing windows.  Remember only 30%  of the cost of the window itself will be able to be taken as the tax credit.  Let's say a typical wood window's cost is $500.00.  The homeowner would receive a $150 tax credit for that window which brings the window "cost" down to $350.00. A house with 10 windows would qualify for the maximum credit of $1500.00 Add on a couple hundred per window for installation costs iand costs for new trim and casings.  We are looking at somewhere around $8000.00 to $10,000.00 minus the $1500.00 or $6500.00 to $8500.00.  Now look at our window tuneup.  Let's say that half of the windows need new glass because the seal is failed, there is rotted wood on several of the windows, some of the hardware is bad and all the windows mechanisms need to be cleaned and lubricated. For average windows this could be done for approximately $1500.00.  A great savings even though not eligible for the tax credit.  Imagine how much quicker the energy savings will cover that for the repairs than the replacements.

Every situation is different...Let us help you decide the best way to solve your window problems.