Stimulus Tax Credit Bulletin #2 – Stay Cool. Stay Warm. Stay Green. 2009 Tax credit when you install energy efficient windows and doors.

In order to get sweet tax rebate on windows and doors, make sure they are energy efficient – they must have a U-factor of 0.3 or less. The U-factor is used to measure the heat transfer through the object and determines how well it insulates. The lower the U-factor, the better it insulates.

To understand a little bit more about energy efficient windows and the U-factor, go visit this website: National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).  Two key things to know:

U-Factor:  Measures how well a window, door, or skylight prevents heat from escaping.  Ratings usually range from 0.20 to 1.20.  The LOWER the number, the more efficient the product is. U-Factor will change as window sizes change.

Solar Heat Gain (SHGC): Measures how well your new window blocks heat from sunlight – keeping your home cooler. The LOWER the SHGC, the lower that heat gain through a window. SHGC ranges from 0 to 1.  SHGC will change as the window sizes change.

Here’s what is available: tax credit for 30% of the cost of energy-efficient windows, skylights and doors, up to a lifetime cap of $1500. This credit is available for 2009 and 2010.

NOTE:

This comes from the new economic stimulus package signed into law in February that revived and expanded tax credits for energy efficient home improvements.

The tax credits you earn on all the energy efficient home improvement items such as central air, water heaters, furnaces and hot water boilers, windows, doors, roofing and installation, are cumulative, and capped at $1500. 

Be aware: this tax credit applies to primary residence only.