As a homeowner in Florida, you know that high energy bills make it essential to consider improvements that not only keep your home comfortable but also put some money back into your wallet. That’s where federal rebate incentives come in.

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, homeowners can take advantage of federal tax credits for energy-efficient home upgrades, including windows and doors. These incentives offer up to $3,200 annually in tax savings through 2032. Let’s break down how this works and why now is the perfect time to consider upgrading your windows and doors.

What Are the Federal Energy Efficiency Rebates?

The federal government is encouraging homeowners to make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes by offering tax credits that reduce the cost of these improvements by up to 30%. Whether you’re upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated windows or replacing your exterior doors, you can now save big on your energy-efficient projects.

The key highlights of this incentive include:
30% of product costs for energy-efficient windows and doors.
Up to $600 maximum tax credit for qualifying window replacements.
Up to $500 maximum for two exterior door replacements ($250 per door).

These tax credits apply to products purchased and installed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032.

Why Upgrade Your Windows and Doors?

If you're living in Florida, you already know that windows and doors do more than let in the sunshine—they play a huge role in your home’s energy efficiency. Older, single-pane windows and non-insulated doors allow heat to enter your home, making your air conditioning work overtime. That’s not just bad for your energy bills, it’s bad for the environment.

By upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated windows and doors, you’ll experience:
Lower Energy Bills: ENERGY STAR windows and doors are designed to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, helping reduce your energy consumption.
Improved Comfort: High-performance windows and doors minimize drafts, making your home more comfortable.
Increased Home Value: Not only do these upgrades improve your home’s energy efficiency, but they often also enhance its resale value.
Hurricane Protection: Many energy-efficient windows and doors also come with impact-resistant features, which is crucial in storm-prone Florida.

How the Federal Rebates Work for Windows and Doors

The federal energy efficiency tax credits allow you to claim up to 30% of the product costs for qualifying windows and doors. Here’s how it works:

1. Qualifying Windows: To be eligible for the rebate, your new windows must meet the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria for your climate zone. This ensures they’re designed for maximum energy savings. You Can Claim: 30% of the cost, up to $600 annually.

2. Qualifying Doors: Just like windows, exterior doors must be ENERGY STAR certified to qualify for the tax credit. You can claim 30% of the product costs, up to $250 per door, with a maximum annual limit of $500 for multiple doors. You Can Claim 30% of the cost, up to $500 annually (two doors).

Maximizing Your Federal Tax Savings

Since the total annual limit for energy-efficient home improvement tax credits is capped at $3,200, it pays to plan your upgrades strategically. If you’re looking to maximize your savings, consider spreading out your improvements over a few years. For example, one year you could replace your windows, and the next year you could install new exterior doors or other qualifying improvements, like a heat pump or insulation.

Here’s a simple strategy to maximize your tax credits for windows and doors:

Year 1: Replace outdated windows with ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certified windows. Claim the 30% tax credit for the windows, up to $600.
Year 2: Upgrade your exterior doors. Claim 30% of the costs for two doors, up to $500. This also leaves room in your tax credits to make additional improvements, such as attic insulation or a home energy audit.

This way, you make the most of your annual credit limits while making your home more energy-efficient year by year.

How to Claim Your Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credits

Claiming these tax credits is a straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Save Your Receipts: Keep records of your purchases and installation costs for the qualifying products.
2. Fill Out IRS Form 5695: Use this form when filing your federal income taxes. You’ll need to submit it for the year in which the upgrades were made.
3. Use ENERGY STAR Resources: Verify that your windows and doors meet the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria by searching for your product’s CPD number in the NFRC Certified Product Directory. Only products with a green-shaded field for your climate zone qualify for the tax credit.

Good Windows & Doors customers receive all the necessary documentation automatically—including product certification details and receipts—so you’ll have everything you need to easily claim your federal tax credits without the hassle of additional paperwork.

Why Act Now?

These rebates won’t be around forever, but they’re available through 2032, giving you plenty of time to take advantage. However, the sooner you act, the sooner you can start saving on your energy bills and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is more energy-efficient and prepared for whatever Florida weather throws your way.

Ready to Save and Upgrade?

Upgrading your windows and doors not only boosts your home's comfort and lowers energy bills but also makes you eligible for valuable federal rebates. At Good Windows & Doors, we make it easy by providing all the necessary documentation for your tax credits—so you can focus on enjoying the benefits.

Let’s get started today! Reach out to us, and we’ll guide you through every step of the process, helping you save more while enhancing your home’s efficiency and protection.

Stay comfortable, stay energy-smart, and take the first step with Good Windows & Doors. Contact us now to learn more and schedule your upgrade!