Stimulus Tax Credit Available For Energy Efficient Windows

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- You have a chance to cash in on untapped stimulus dollars. Congress set aside $5 billion to make homes more energy efficient. With winter around the corner, Vickie from Cleveland asked The News On 6 how she can weatherize her home on the government's dime.

The stimulus offers a tax credit for installing new, energy efficient windows -- green technology that helps homeowners with winter fast approaching.

"It's a win-win for the customer all the way around," said Jeff Jackson, Window World owner.

The credit equals 30 percent of the cost of new windows or doors with a maximum of $1,500.

Jeff Jackson says one new window will set you back about $300, but he says it can save hundreds in utility costs.

"It's not only a credit that's going to help you right now, but it's going to help you over the long run too because it's going to make your home more energy efficient, it's going to make it more comfortable in your home, you're going to realize a savings every year on your utility usage in your home, as well," said Jeff Jackson.

To make sure your new windows are energy efficient enough to qualify for the tax credit, you have to look for two things on the window's label. First, you have to make sure the U-factor is a 0.30 or less. You also have to check to make sure the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient is, again, a 0.30 or less. If you have both of those on the label, then you can qualify for the 30 percent tax credit when you file your next tax return.

Homeowner Sheila Cooper says she has seen big savings.

"When it's real cold or real hot, you're always bracing yourself for the costs to go up, so yeah, during the peak times, whether it's cold or hot outside, we definitely can tell," said Sheila Cooper, a homeowner.

The Economic Recovery Act set aside $60 million to weatherize low income homes in Oklahoma. The Department of Commerce runs the Weatherization Assistance Program. It says there's still about $30 million available.

Learn how to apply for assistance.