Information on tax credits for replacing windows.

1. Accent Windows, Inc.
12300 Pecos Street
Westminster, CO 80234
News Release
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lindsey Marcovich
March 2, 2009
Marketing Director
(303) 420-2002
Not all “Energy Star Windows” will Qualify for the $1,500 Tax
Credit on Windows!
Windows must meet a .30 or less U-Factor and a .30 or less Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
DENVER, Colorado. – On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recov-
ery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that made some significant changes to the energy efficiency tax credits. The
highlights are:
The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30%.
The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009–2010).
The $200 cap on windows has been removed.
A $1,500 tax credit is available on windows that have a U-Factor of .30 or less and a SHGC of .30 or less.
Consumers considering replacing their windows in 2009 and 2010 are eligible for a $1,500 tax credit on energy
efficient windows. However, not all energy efficient windows will quality for the tax credits. In order to qualify
for the tax credit, the new windows installed must meet a .30 or less U-Factor and a .30 or less Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient. Not many manufactures in the window industry currently meet these standards.
Most window manufacturers will emphasize energy star rated products however, the national standards for
energy star are significantly less than the Government standards to qualify for the tax credit of $1,500 for
windows that meet a .30 or less U-Factor and a .30 or less SHGC. The tax credits are only available for the
highest efficiency levels. What does this mean for many window manufacturers? They are being forced to offer
a higher quality energy efficient window which costs much more to manufacture. In this economy, increasing
the cost of manufacturing puts many window manufacturers at a disadvantage.
Terry Marcovich, president of Accent Windows a local window manufacturer said, “I am thrilled to see the new
requirements for the energy efficiency tax credit. Accent’s highest performing window yields a U-Factor as low
as a .16 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient as low as a .18. I am excited that the tax credit has helped emphasize
the importance of finding a quality energy efficient window.”
Visit www.nfrc.org for a complete list of manufactures and their test ratings for U-Factor and SHGC.
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2. Accent Windows, Inc.
Background / References
Accent Windows, a Denver manufacturer builds a replacement window that has a U-Factor as low as .16 and a
SHGC as low as .18. Accent windows are constructed from a multi-chambered PVC compound, which offers
superior noise reduction and insulation from temperature changes. Each frame has 22 chambers—a design
meant to compensate for high, medium and low temperatures--so the frames will be more resistant to the
expansion and contraction associated with temperature fluctuations.
In addition to the construction of the window, it is also important to remember that 80% of the window is glass.
Many manufacturers only offer the standard LowE glass. Accent Windows has utilized the latest technology to
develop six total glass systems to meet the individual needs of each home. From the more economical 4.2 Lo-
elite3 glass to the top of the line 9.1 Lo-elite Heat Mirror glass, Accent provides quality energy efficient glass
systems that surpass the competition, and well exceed the standards for the new Federal Tax Credits.
What is a U-Factor Rating?
This rating measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping a home or building based on conditions of
0 degrees outside and 70 degrees inside. The lower the U-Factor, the better the product is at reducing heat loss.
What is a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient Rating?
This rating measures how well a product blocks heat from the sun. The lower the number, the better the product
is at blocking unwanted heat gain.
References:
http://www.nfrc.org
http://www.energystar.gov
http://readthestimulus.org
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