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Tax credits extended for
Energy Star windows.
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February 17 • 2011
etween 25 to 50 per-
cent of energy used in
a home goes right out
the window — literally. In most
homes, windows provide the big-
gest openings between indoor
and outdoor air, and the biggest
opportunity for valuable energy
to escape.
To assist homeowners with
upgrading from old, drafty win-
dows, the federal government is
offering tax credits under a new
act signed into law in late 2010.
Available until Dec. 31, 2011, the
tax credit is for up to 10 percent of the
purchase price, excluding labor and
materials for installation, and is capped
at $200 for qualifying windows and
skylights, and $500 for exterior doors.
Qualifying windows, doors and sky-
lights must meet the Energy Star rat-
ing. According to Energy Star, installing
windows, doors and skylights with
the Energy Star label shrinks energy
bills — and carbon footprints — by
7-15 percent, compared to nonqualified
products.
"Tax credits offer homeowners
immediate savings, but the benefits of
Energy Star-rated windows are long
lasting," says Erin Johnson, window
expert from Edgetech I.G. "Research
shows that in cold climates, energy-
efficient, dual-pane windows with
low-e coatings can reduce heating bills
by as much as 34 percent. In warm
climates, they can cut cooling costs by
38 percent."
While previous tax credits used a
standard qualification for all states, the
new tax credit is dictated by Energy
Star requirements, which vary depend-
ing on four climate zones: Northern,
North-Central, South-Central,
Southern.
North and North-Central zones have
stricter U-value requirements, which is
the rate heat is lost through a window.
In Southern and South-Central zones,
the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC)
is more important because it signifies
how well windows block the sun's heat
from warming the indoors and coun-
teracting air conditioning.
"For both U-value and SHGC, the
lower the number the better the perfor-
mance," Johnson says. "Requirements
vary, so it is important to check Energy
Star's website to find windows that
qualify in your zone. However, to ensure
the best long-term value, you should
really look at all factors that make up
the window, from the glass and fram-
ing to the spacer system!'
True energy-efficient, sustainable
windows hold such characteristics as
low-conductivity gas fillings (argon or
krypton), low-e coatings and noncon-
ductive spacer systems that separate
the glass panes. The spacer system is a
key element to promoting sustainability
in window systems because it provides
the seal between the indoor and out-
door air. If that seal fails, condensation
will occur and the gas filling will leak
out and no longer be effective.
"Nonconductive spacers, such as
the Super Spacer warm edge spacer
system, are known to provide a lasting
seal, ensuring the window will retain
its energy-efficient benefits for many
years," says Johnson.
The outside materials also play a
role in efficiency and sustainability.
"Homeowners are better off looking for
nonconductive components, framing
and sashes," Johnson says. "Wood, com-
posite and fiberglass frames are time-
tested and are proven to be the most
sustainable and energy efficient, stand-
ing up to a wide range of temperatures,
UV light and the deteriorating effects
of condensation."
Edgetech I.G., an Energy Star part-
ner, is educating homeowners, legisla-
tors and companies worldwide on
energy conservation and sustainable
building practices. To learn more about
choosing energy-efficient windows or
federal tax credits, visit www.sustaina-
view.com or www.energystar.gov.
Article provided by ARA Content