How to Get the Most Out of Your Energy Efficiency Tax Credit
Erie Materials is providing this information as a courtesy to our customers. Although we hope you find this summary helpful, understand that Erie Materials is not a tax advisor. Manufacturer data and product selection may change, guidelines may be revised and the tax credits are subject to IRS interpretations. Before making a purchase, please consult with your tax planner and check for updates from manufacturers and the federal government.
As part of President Obama’s stimulus bill, several energy efficiency tax credits were extended or enhanced. In general, taxpayers may take a credit of up to 30 percent of the cost of qualifying home improvements made to their principal residence between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, for a maximum credit of $1500 over the two years.
For our customers, qualifying products include roofing, windows, doors and insulation. The tax credits may be applied to the material costs only.
To claim the credit, you’ll need to keep your receipts, breaking out material costs, and have a statement from the manufacturer that the product meets the criteria.
For more in-depth information, visit the Energy Star or the Tax Incentives Assistance Project web sites.
Our Buying Advice
You’ll get the most bang for your buck when you save through both the tax credit and on your energy bill. In the Northeast, that means heating. Be cautious of products that come at a premium but provide energy savings only in warmer climates.
Windows & Exterior Doors
To qualify for the tax credit, windows must have a U-factor (insulating) of .30 or less and an SHGC (solar heat gain) rating of .30 or less. Keep in mind that a low SHGC rating means that sunlight heats up your house less.
The NFRC certification stickers from the windows will serve as the manufacturer certification.
All of our window suppliers have configurations that qualify. Click for a list of qualified Andersen, Ply Gem, Paradigm, SilverLine or Viwinco products.
ProVia has qualified storm doors, entry doors, patio doors and storm windows. Information and certificates are available here.
Metal & Asphalt Roofing
Roofing must be Energy Star labeled, which is based mostly on its reflectivity, and it must be expected to last five years or have a two-year warranty.
In the Northeast, it’s usually not worth paying a hefty premium for asphalt shingles with a special reflective coating that’s designed to reduce your cooling load. But for those interested in options:
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Certainteed Roofing’s XT and Landmark shingles are available in Star White and Silver Birch, colors that meets Energy Star’s reflectivity criteria, and at a typical asphalt shingle price. Click here for the manufacturer's statement. Landmark Star White and Silver Birch as well as XT 25 Silver Birgh are in stock at Erie Materials.
- CertainTeed's reflective Solaris asphalt shingles are now in stock at Erie Materials. The shingles are available in four colors and command a premium price.
Many colors of Ideal Roofing qualify for the credit, including all of its Wakefield Bridge Series. For more information, click here.
All colors of Tamko's MetalWorks steel shingle line qualify. Click here for information,
Insulation
To qualify, the primary purpose of insulation products must be to insulate. They must meet 2009 IECC and Amendments and be expected to last at least 5 years or have a 2 year warranty. Many Dow products meet this criteria. Click here for a list. Polar Industries also has helpful information and a manufacturer's certification statement on its web site.
NOTE: Windows and skylights that meet Energy Star requirements and were "placed in service" between January 1 and June 1, 2009 are eligible for the $1500 Energy Efficiency Tax Credit, according to the IRS.
For more information on the change, visit the Energy Star web page or view the IRS's announcement.
