Know Your Tax Credits

The way that door and window products qualify for tax credits has changed. Here’s what you need to know

From: Remodeling magazine June 2009
By: Jim Cory

Just how much energy do “energy-efficient” doors and windows save? Claims vary. David Tyson, of Charlotte, N.C., design/build company David Tyson & Associates, recently had a blower door test conducted in his own house, and says that sealing leaks with caulk or weatherstripping is the first step. Windows may come later. Everything depends on the house, and every house is different, says Darren Lombardo, owner of Home Energy Solutions, a Maryland energy audit company that also sells home improvement products.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heat loss through windows can account for anywhere from 10% to 25% of a homeowners’ heating bill. In climates where air conditioning is in steady use, the DOE says that energy-efficient windows can reduce electricity consumption by 10% to 15%.

But say the house is an obvious candidate for new windows and doors. What exactly does “energy efficient” mean? Read more.