Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
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 2009 federal tax credit offered as an incentive for choosing an energy efficient product.
What is covered? The program covers exterior doors (other than storm doors) that meet or exceed the prescriptive criteria established by the IECC for the climate zone in which it is installed. The dealer can let you know whether a door you’re considering meets this criteria.
Amount of federal tax credit: 10% of the material cost, up to $500. Installation costs are not included.
Notes: The exterior door must be placed into service between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009. A Manufacturer’s Certification (a signed 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, submit IRS Tax Form 5695 (version 2009), which may not be available on the IRS site until late 2009 or early 2010.
