We have heard ALL THE RAVE about how the Stimulus Bill had a ton of Energy Efficient Tax Credit stuff in it. No cap on Solar and Geothermal - 30% up to a MAX of $1500 on Energy Efficient Improvements ...
One of the best parts of that is being able to get up to $1500 back for New Windows. You know, those crummy single pane windows that you would love to rip out. But, Hold On! Have you read to see what qualifies? I went in to Home Depot the other day and not a SINGLE WINDOW QUALIFIED that they had in there.
That does not mean that the product was bad. That's not the case at all. As a matter of fact, the majority of windows that are Energy Star Rated will not qualify. The Guidelines to receive the Credit are very strict. The U-Factor AND Solar Heat Gain CoEfficient BOTH have to be = or Below .30
To get the Scoop I went to visit Bob Birner with Renewal By Andersen Windows. You may also know Bob as the Host of the Home Improvement Hotline on Sunday morning from 9a-12p. If you are wanting to change out your windows and reap the benefit of the $1500 - Make sure that you listen in so you are not an angry Tax Payer next year. By the way, all of you folks in the Houston area - Bob has Windows that qualify under both ratings.
You'd think that the credit would address popularly available models, wouldn't you?
Hey Jeff, One would think so. :) But not in this case. Guess they had to offset the no cap on solar somehow.
Stephanie, thanks for the valuable information. I'm reblogging to share with my people. Thank you!
Hi Connie, Thanks for that. I can't believe that I have not heard about this from anywhere else. Just trying to get the word out.
Jeff, Thanks for the reblog also. :)
Nice post on how not to ASSUME your new windows will qualify. I need a new door wall in our basement and was thinking of purchasing, so now I will be more careful. Let's just hope the people selling them do not mislead people.
Steph, i just listened to the podcast, awesome. I especially liked the part where he said write it into the contract that it will qualify. Now that is very prudent.
Hey Missy, I am sure that unfortunately there will be some mislead people...atleast for a little while anyhow. This is just my way to hopefully get the word out to as many people as possible. :)
Thanks for listening to the podcast. Bob had great advice for homeowners and anyone else who is wanting to make changes to their homes. He is one of my favorite people to visit with around town. He knows his stuff for sure!
Stephanie, this is a shame and you would think the credit would be more comprehensive. The more popular models sell better for a reason! BTW I thoroughly enjoyed the pod cast and need to check into utilizing them my self!
Stephanie,
I have all wood 20 year old double pane Andersen windows in my home...they still look and operate like new...and they are still as tight as can be...!!! Great investment!!! Thanks, Fran
Great post, I had written a similar blog as well. I am in the market for new windows on my own home and I had two window companies come out and they told me the widows would qualify but in fact they did not.