Tax Credits Are Still Available

Have you been considering a window and door replacement project for your home? We are now more than halfway through 2011, and the tax credits for qualifying windows and/or exterior doors for your home will expire at the end of the year. 

The federal government extended the 2010 tax cuts on replacement windows and doors; incentives are being offered to encourage homeowners like you to make energy efficient improvements to their homes. To qualify, windows and doors must be Energy Star Qualified, like our line of Infinity from Marvin products. There were a few changes to these tax incentives you should be aware of—k ep reading to find out more about these changes. We invite you to come in and talk to one of our representatives to see how you can take advantage of the great savings while there is still time!

Energy Star Qualified

Created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) the Energy Star qualification was created to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by inefficient energy use, and to make it simple for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products. Products that receive the Energy Star seal meet strict energy efficiency guidelines that save money and protect the environment. 

In order for a product to qualify they must:

• • Contribute to significant energy savings nationwide.
• • Deliver features and performance demanded by consumers.
• • Increase energy efficiency.
• • Product energy consumption and performance can be measured and verified through testing.
• • Energy efficiency can be achieved through broadly available, non-proprietary technologies offered by more than one manufacturer.
• • When purchasing qualified products costing more than their conventional, less-efficient counterpart, purchasers will recoup their investment in increased energy efficiency through utility bill savings within a reasonable amount of time.

Learn more about Energy Star for homes and business on the Energy Star website. Requirements differ by region.

Our Infinity by Marvin line of replacement products are all Energy Star Certified—in fact, Infinity by Marvin products exceed performance requirements and qualifies for Energy Star rating in all U.S. climate regions; good news for those of us who rely on air conditioning for so much of the year.

Incentive Changes

There there have been changes in the 2010 tax incentives that are important to know. The changes are as follows:

• • Consumers who purchase qualifying windows can claim a credit of 10% up to $200 of the purchase price. Installation costs are not included.
• • Consumers who purchase qualifying exterior doors can claim a credit of 10% up to $500 of the purchase price. Installation costs are not included.
• • There is now a lifetime limit of $500 ($200 for windows) in total credits a homeowner can claim between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2011. This is not on top of the $1500 limit established for 2009-2010. Homeowners who have already reached or exceeded the $500 limit are no longer eligible to claim credits in 2011.
• • The $500 aggregate lifetime limit is for any combination of all tax credit qualifying products (HVAC, insulation, roofing, etc.) and is not limited to windows and exterior doors. Homeowners who have claimed less than $500 can claim the difference up to the $200 cap for windows and $500 for exterior doors.
• • The revised tax credit policy is in effect for products installed in a consumer’s primary residence Between January 1 and December 31, 2011.

For more information on tax credits and incentives review the Internal Revenue Service website.

Come in and visit us to discuss your home’s energy efficiency needs and let us show you our selection of Energy Star qualified products. With just four months left in 2011, the time to act is now!