Energy Efficient Tax Credits

SIOUX FALLS, SD - If you're thinking of upgrading some things in your home to make it more energy efficient, you're running out of time to cash in a federal tax credit of up to $1,500.  The credit is for putting in things like new windows, a roof or even an air conditioner.

Mary Mashek's home is filled with antiques, but she says it was time for her 1971 windows to go.

"You can see I like things that have history. If you're in my house very long you can see that, but not those windows.  The history of those windows is kaput," Mashek said.

The windows weren't doing the job of keeping the heat in her home anymore.

"This chair I'm sitting in, the exposure is northwest and I would sit here in the winter and I could feel a draft," Mashek said.

So Mashek replaced 14 windows on the main floor of her home. She was able to get back 30 percent of her costs in the form of a tax rebate. And not only that, she saved $500 on last winter's heating bill.

"We went from $200 to $230 windows per month sale to close to $500," Jeff Erickson said.

Jeff Erickson of Window World says his company's business has doubled in the last four months. And it's up 40 percent overall. He says this time the stimulus money is doing what it was intended to do: create jobs.

"We went from two or three install crews up to seven at our busiest point so far. The office payroll went from one to three and sales one to two. We doubled every aspect of our employment,' Erickson said.

The windows must be installed by December 31.  With less than 100 days left to take advantage of the tax credit, Erickson is expecting a last-minute rush.

"It's going to get busy, crazy busy. We're looking at the end of October, not guarantee and install by the end of the year. Anyone wanting to take advantage of the stimulus money should do it now, looking at 30 days until we shut it off," Erickson said.

The tax credit is available only for existing homes and primary residences.
Get a complete list of Energy Star products that qualify for the tax credit and more information on how to file for it online.