Windows, Doors, Insulation, Roofs - 2011 Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

Well, let me first start out by giving you the short explanation of the Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit. Recently updated for 2011, you can receive an income tax credit of 30% of the product costs up to $500 or a specific amount from $50 - $300, for installing new energy efficient windows, doors, insulation, and roofs on your home, meeting specific criteria:

Exterior windows, skylights, & exterior doors: U-factor or Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of .30 or less. Meaning; the lower the U-factor or SHGC, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. Basically, keeping the heat inside for winter and the cool air inside for summer.

Insulation: Includes loose fill, batts and blankets, rigid board, and spray foam. Seals to limit air infiltration, caulk, and weather stripping are also included. Insulated siding does not qualify.

So what's the catch? This tax credit is only good on the cost of the actual products for the windows, doors, insulation, and roofs. If you are planning on taking advantage of more than one improvement, the maximum amount available for credit is $500 combined. The credit must be claimed at the end of the 2011 federal tax year when filing your taxes. Home improvements must be "placed in service" from January 1st, 2011 thru December 31st, 2011 to qualify. And finally, credits are only good on existing homes.

Be one of the savvy home owners to take advantage of this opportunity today. For more information visit:
EnergyStar.gov, DOE.gov, ASE.org, WDMA.com