Installing Energy Efficient Products Earns Federal Tax Credits
Energy-Saving Upgrades Must Be Made by the End of This Year to Qualify

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. February 12, 2007 — Homeowners are on deadline to make energy upgrades that qualify for up to $500 in federal tax credits. That’s because Uncle Sam has put limits on this deal – federal tax credits are only available for window and door upgrades placed in service from Jan. 1, 2006 to Dec. 31, 2007.

Spring and summer are the most popular seasons for homeowners to undertake exterior remodels, so now is the ideal time to research the many energy-saving options available from window and door manufacturers so that installations are finished by year-end.

Specifically, the federal tax credit for replacing exterior windows is 10 percent of the product cost, up to $200. The credit for exterior doors is 10 percent of the product cost, up to $500. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined is $500 during the two-year period. JELD-WEN recommends that homeowners keep all qualified product labels and the door manufacturer’s Certification for Tax Credit in case of an IRS audit.

Here are the top tips from the energy experts at JELD-WEN Windows & Doors on what to look for when shopping for replacement fixtures that will meet federal tax credit requirements:

1. Look for Low-E glass.
In summer, the special coating on Low-E glass reduces the amount of the sun’s heat from entering the home, lowering cooling needs. In winter, Low-E reflects some of the interior heat back into the home. Low-E glass comes standard in many JELD-WEN® products. As an ENERGY STAR® partner since 1998, JELD-WEN offers Low-E glass as standard on all Vinyl and Wood windows plus Premium Fiberglass and Steel exterior doors. It’s an option on wood and Custom Fiberglass doors. For all Vinyl, Custom and Premium Wood windows, JELD-WEN offers an upgrade to even higher-performing Low-E366 glass.

2. Select ENERGY STAR qualified products.
The easiest way to determine whether or not windows and doors meet the highest energy efficiency standards is to look for the ENERGY STAR label. This program of the U.S. Department of Energy can also help homeowners estimate how much they will save over time when replacing poorly insulated windows with ENERGY STAR qualified products. Depending on climate, the savings can be considerable. To calculate savings, visit www.energystar.gov.

3. Consider long-term value versus initial purchase price.
Beyond the initial purchase price of a product, consider long-term value. That’s what homeowners pay year after year to operate and maintain their entire dwellings. Energy efficient products offer measurable, annual savings. In addition, choosing products that will perform reliably can save thousands of dollars on replacement and repair, as well as on heating and cooling expenses over time.