Good questions when:

Considering Exterior Doors

• What type of storm doors are covered by the tax credit?

• We don't yet have an answer for that. But, in 2006 and 2007 credit was allowed for both storm windows and doors provided the following criteria were met: A storm window that, in combination with the exterior window over which it is installed, meets or exceeds the prescriptive criteria established by the IECC for the climate zone in which such storm window is installed; A storm door that, in combination with a wood door assigned a default U-factor by the IECC, does not exceed the default U-factor requirement assigned to such combination by the IECC;
  It is currently unclear what the reference to IECC means. It may be considering the storm window/door to be a form of insulation.

  Check back with Questionsense, we will update this information as soon as it becomes available.

• Can sliding glass patio doors qualify for the credit?

• Yes, sliding glass patio doors and French doors "placed into service" in 2009 and 2010 are eligible for the Federal tax credit as long as they meet the criteria. The tax credit is for 30% of the total cost, up to $1,500.

  From January 1 - May 31, 2009 all ENERGY STAR qualified windows can qualify for the tax credit.

  Beginning June 1, 2009, to qualify for the tax credit, windows (and doors and skylights) must have a U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) less than or equal to 0.30. This is a super effiicient window, and most ENERGY STAR windows will not qualify.

  Save your receipts and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement for your taxes.

• Are garage doors covered by the tax credit?

• Garage doors installed in 2009 or 2010 may be eligible for the tax credit provided that the door is installed in or on an insulated garage as a component of the taxpayer’s principal residence (does not need to be attached), the garage door meets the other requirements of the tax credit (i.e. it has a U-factor<= 0.3 and a SHGC<= 0.3), and the garage door is certified by the manufacturer.

• Is installation of a garage door covered?

• Installation costs are NOT covered for garage doors, just the cost of the garage door itself is covered.

• What is the maximum tax credit I can get for the energy efficient home improvements?

• Many of the energy efficiency tax credits are limited to $1,500 combined total for 2009 and 2010. The $1,500 maximum tax credit covers insulation, windows & doors, roofs, HVAC, biomass stoves, and non-solar water heaters.