It has been nearly a year now since tax credits and utility rebates have become available for homeowners who upgrade their windows to new energy efficient vinyl windows. The thing I have noticed however, is that many homeowners do not know that these savings are available! Can you believe that? Free money that people aren’t aware of, and I’m not talking chump change, I’m talking significant savings. I want everybody to know about this so they can capitalize on it. I know for a fact that homeowners who purchased windows in 2008 wished these rebates and tax credits were available for them! In this blog, I will explain how these programs work and who qualifies for them.
President Obama’s stimulus plan that was executed in February of 2009, gives homeowners a tax credit of up to $1,500 to upgrade their old windows with new efficient vinyl windows. To qualify, the home must be the primary residence. Rental properties and vacation homes do not qualify. The windows installed must meet certain insulation criteria. The u-value of the windows must not exceed a .30 factor, and the solar heat gain coefficient, must not exceed a .30 factor. Most vinyl windows will meet these standards using specific LoE glass coatings. Some coatings do not qualify, and it is the homeowners responsibility to make sure the windows they have put in their homes meet the criteria. When it becomes time to do your taxes (is that really coming around the corner again) you will simply provide some basic information to your tax preparer for the credit. We provide the homeowner with a manufacturers certification that the windows qualify for the insulation criteria. We also break down the cost for the windows and the cost for the labor on an invoice. Only the cost of the windows qualify for the tax credit. You receive 30% of the cost of the windows, up to $1,500 for your tax credit. It’s that simple. Free government money!
The utility rebates work a little differently from the credits. Puget Sound Energy is providing rebates based on the total square footage of windows you replace. They give you a check for $6 a square foot up to a maximum $1,000 check. This rebate is available for any home that the homeowner has a PSE account with. That means primary residences, rental properties, business properties, vacation homes etc. The windows must be install by a licensed and bonded installer. The windows must also not exceed a .30 u-value. When the project is completed, we provide the homeowner with the PSE rebate form filled out with the information needed to receive your rebate check. The check usually arrives via mail within 4 to 6 weeks after your installation has been completed. They will only issue one check per household, which means if you are planning to some windows this year and some next year, you can’t submit two separate rebate request forms. Other utility companies around the region are offering similar programs, as well as many of the local PUD companies. The programs normally vary in the price per square foot they give you and the maximum amount they will give you. Check with your utility provider for the specifics of the programs they offer.
If you have ever thought about upgrading your windows, this is the time to do it. If you know anyone who should replace their windows, let them know about these incentives. They may not know. Our company offers two brands of vinyl windows. Each brand has their own features and price points to meet the needs of virtually all homeowners. You can get information from our web site at www.pacifichomeimprovementnw.com. We provide a free in home estimate with no pressure. You can also call us at 1-800-840-3790 or email us any questions. We can even give you a quote over the phone. We do top quality work. You can’t find any negative comments about our company anywhere. We are not just a window company. We do most exterior improvements like windows, siding, doors, decks, patios and more. We want to build lasting relationships with our customers so we become their “go to” home improvement company in the future when they need something else we provide.
SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THESE INCENTIVES. I WANT EVERYBODY TO KNOW ABOUT THEM!!!!!!!!!
