Exterior doors vary greatly in their ability to keep Mother Nature at bay. Though some exterior doors can leak energy and allow drafts, new high-efficiency models serve as excellent barriers to heat loss and gain. If you’re a U.S. taxpayer and are thinking about buying new exterior doors, be aware of the 2010 federal tax credit offered as an incentive for choosing an energy efficient product.

What is covered? For purchases in 2009, the program covered exterior doors, including sliding doors and French doors (other than storm doors) that met or exceeded the prescriptive criteria established by the IECC for the climate zone in which they were installed. Beginning June 1, 2009, eligible doors must have a U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) less than or equal to 0.30. This is NOT just an Energy Star listed door--it is a super-efficient door.

The dealer can let you know whether a door you’re considering meets this criteria.

Amount of federal tax credit: 30% of the material cost, up to $1,500. Installation costs are not included.

Notes: The exterior door must be placed into service in your principal residence between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010. A Manufacturer’s Certification (a statement from the manufacturer certifying that the product qualifies for the tax credit) is often available from the manufacturer’s Web site. This should be kept in your tax records along with your receipt. When filing your federal tax return, submit IRS Tax Form 5695.

For more information, please see the FREE HomeTips Exterior Doors Buying Guide.