The recently signed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes tax credits for qualifying energy-saving home improvements. Immediately replacing the previous Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 tax credit for ENERGY STAR® windows and doors, the new stimulus bill significantly raises performance requirements for windows and doors qualifying for credits.
• Qualifications for exterior windows, doors, and skylights are that the component is equal to or below a U Factor of 0.30 and a SHGC of 0.30 for all U.S. climate zones.
• The U-Factor measures heat transmission through a window or door — a lower U-Factor equals better insulation.
• SHGC measures how well a window or door blocks heat from sunlight. The lower the value the better the unit keeps out solar heat.
• Between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010, U.S. homeowners may claim a tax credit up to 30 percent of the cost of qualifying replacement windows and doors installed in their principal residence, not exceeding $1,500.
• The tax credit applies to the price of qualifying windows and doors, but does not cover installation, on-site preparation, assembly or sales tax.
If you are thinking of building a new home this year, visit our exclusive collection of ENERGY STAR® house plans so you can maximize tax credits for years to come.
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