Posted: September 2009

This article explains contrary to what many think, now is a great time to remodel the lighting in your home. Although home remodeling is perceived to be costly, learn how it can be cost effective – and how you can take advantage of it.

(ARA) – Many doors are closing due to the economy, but certain windows are becoming easier to open. The 2009/2010 tax credit for energy efficient replacement windows, one of 10 provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is helping homeowners to remodel America one house at a time.

"There are many advantages to remodeling your home," says Chris Pickering, vice president of marketing at Ply Gem Windows. "The new tax credit allows homeowners to reach beyond their normal means to complete renovations that can translate into both immediate and future savings."

Ply Gem, a leader in the building products industry, offers some helpful tips to simplify the remodeling process.

Learn about the remodeling federal income tax credit
The replacement window tax credit was signed into law on Feb. 17, 2009. The bill provides a $1,500 maximum tax credit for installing energy efficient windows that qualify, calculated as 30 percent of the qualified windows' purchase price. Previous tax credits were given in 2006 and 2007, but were for a much lower amount and were based on different energy efficiency criteria. For additional information on the 2009/2010 tax credit, click the energy tax credit icon on the home page of www.plygemwindows.com or visit www.recovery.gov.

Qualifying for the tax credit
To qualify for the tax credit, windows must adhere to strict guidelines established by the federal government. Replacement windows must have a glass package with a U-Factor rating (the rate at which a window conducts non-solar heat flow) of .30 or lower. Qualifying windows must also possess a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient rating of .30 or lower. The SHGC is a fraction of solar energy admitted through a window that is released as heat inside a home.

These ratings are far stricter than current ENERGY STAR standards, so consumers and industry professionals should check window ratings before purchasing. Whatever your renovation plans entail, solutions are available to help you create a better environment for your family. "With 51 qualifying Ply Gem products to choose from, options are sure to fit all budgets and project sizes," says Pickering.