For several years, Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey & New York Metro replacement window customers enjoyed some nice tax credits when they decided to upgrade their homes with modern, ENERGY-STAR certified replacement windows and patio doors. Making use of renewable energy helps homeowners save money on heating and cooling bills and benefits the environment. While there aren’t an abundance of energy tax credit options for homeowners when it comes to updating your existing windows today, we did find some options you may be interested in checking out. You can claim these energy credits by filing FORM 5695 with your 2016 taxes.
Before making any purchases, talk to your tax accountant about eligible items listed in the Residential Energy Efficiency Property Credit and the Non-business Energy Property Credit tax code.
There is still time to claim up to $200 in tax credits if you installed replacement windows prior to filing your taxes in fiscal year 2014, lived in your home during 2015, and did not claim the full amount on previous returns. The credit expired in 2013, but homeowners are still able to file until December 2016, provided you have not maxed out your credit limit. Download the FORM 5695 and instructions to see if you qualify.
Tax incentives of New Jersey & New York Metro homeowners are not intended to make taxpayers whole. In other words, they typically don’t reimburse 100% of the purchase price. In the same way that replacement windows and patio doors provide a gradual return on investment in the form of lower energy consumption and opportunities to reduce your monthly heating and air conditioning bills, tax credits help homeowners recover a percentage of the original investment as they make changes in the way they consume energy every day.
While the IRS seems to be phasing out replacement window, skylight and door incentives, they still offer several alternative energy credits. The following upgrades allow credits up to 30% of purchase price, for qualified appliances and fixtures. If you place any of these items in service before December 31, 2106, you can carry-forward any balance beyond your tax liability. And, there is no limit on the credit.
Modern, custom-built replacement windows – and stylish, energy-efficient patio doors – have features that reduce your carbon footprint and lower your overall utility bills when used in conjunction with energy-saving appliances. While you’re considering whether to replace some operable windows, also think about keeping your heating and air conditioning system in tip-top shape so the unit doesn’t have to run continuously to keep your home comfortable.
Annual inspections and cleaning of your heating and air conditioning systems may help you avoid costly repairs and wasted energy. If your HVAC system is older than 10 to 15 years old, it may be time to consider replacing your system. Check with your service provider about rebates and manufacturers’ discounts that could save you thousands of dollars if you time the installation around seasonal promotions. While you’re thinking about having the heating system checked, it would be a good idea to have your other appliances – water heaters, ovens and stoves – inspected. Remember there are still tax incentives for solar electric fixtures placed in service before this year ends.
While we haven’t heard of any new tax credits being added in the near future, we will keep an eye on things and let you know if Congress passes anything in which you might be interested. In the meantime, as winter approaches, this is the best time of year to inspect your home windows for air leaks, gaps and damage that could be causing you to waste energy. With modern technology and energy-efficient styles designed to maximize energy savings, you never have to worry about sacrificing comfort for beauty or performance.
We offer a full range of replacement windows for every architectural style from Colonial Ranch to historic Victorians and those cozy Cape Cod homes scattered throughout our area. Whether you want a double-hung window that lets you choose when you want to drop the upper sash or raise the lower panel, or you are looking for casement windows that literally draw in the breeze to refresh your interior, you can be certain your glass choices are certified to be among the most energy-efficient options on the market.
While federal tax incentives are awesome, they can’t replace the benefits of making a sound investment in your property that will continue to provide returns on your investment for as long as you live in your home. Fill in the short form on this page to schedule a free, no-obligation home inspection to find out if replacing your windows with modern replacement windows can help you boost energy-efficiency and indoor comfort. You can also reach us by calling 866-609-5033.
