To ensure that you get the right replacement windows for your home and secure your energy tax credit, it is important to recognize the differences in windows. Windows of inferior quality, or simply windows not designed to improve home efficiency will not qualify for the energy efficiency tax credit. Replacement windows, skylights, and exterior doors which have a U factor of  0.30 or below, and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 do quality though. Storm windows and storm doors must adhere to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in combination with their settings. These elements are critical in making sure that you get your tax credit.

    Luckily, most of the work of figuring out which windows and doors qualify and which don’t has been done for you. The energy star certification is the most failsafe way to know whether an aluminum window, vinyl window, or door is certified for energy efficiency and will qualify you for your tax credit. An energy star window is rated according to its ability to provide energy efficiency. It is important to make sure you have the certification paperwork proving that the windows are energy efficient in order to receive your credit. You won’t need to give these papers to the IRS unless they are requested for verification, but they are a good thing to have in case.

    Assuming you make the move to replace old windows with replacement energy star windows, you become eligible to receive a tax credit of up to 1500 dollars. Thirty percent of the entire purchase price, with a 1500 dollar cap, can be deducted from your taxes. This program provides a powerful incentive to make the shift toward home energy efficiency. Croft offers a wide selection of windows that are energy star certified and will not only secure your federal tax credit, but also will help seal your home for greater energy efficiency and greater savings year round.