Tax Credit for Energy Efficient Windows
- Thread starter robr
- Start date
accuratehorn
10,000+ Posts
We are looking into this as well. The problem is the specifications for the windows-very few meet those specification of .30/.30. And around here, according to what I have been told, the <.30 solar heat gain is very appropriate, but the other requirement is not that important unless you are in a colder climate.
Not only that, but according to one window representative who seemed truthful, the specifications do not ensure quality of the frame of the window, which can be cheaply made, leak like crazy, and the glass can still meet the specs.
We are having trouble with this issue, and it seems like whoever wrote the specs did not write them as well as they could have been written.
We probably will try to get the rebate through HVAC and insulation improvements, and just pay for good windows which don't meet the new federal specs.
The ones we are getting meet the City of Austin Green Building star rating specs, though.
Not only that, but according to one window representative who seemed truthful, the specifications do not ensure quality of the frame of the window, which can be cheaply made, leak like crazy, and the glass can still meet the specs.
We are having trouble with this issue, and it seems like whoever wrote the specs did not write them as well as they could have been written.
We probably will try to get the rebate through HVAC and insulation improvements, and just pay for good windows which don't meet the new federal specs.
The ones we are getting meet the City of Austin Green Building star rating specs, though.
Heck of a time to put in a geothermal system if you have the space for the wells (which is less than you think), the 30% tax credit covers most if not all of the cost above what a good conventional system would cost and your heating/air bills will be cut in half. We will be firing our up in a few weeks.
accuratehorn
10,000+ Posts
Really? I thought geothermal cost a fortune. How much is a system-a good HVAC system for my house is going to be pretty pricey. I think the rocky conditions around Austin make geothermal somewhat impractial, but I could be wrong. We did tour one home that had geothermal on one of the "Cool House Tours" that Austin Energy sponsors every year.
It may depend on how much rock is below your property (?).
It may depend on how much rock is below your property (?).
We just replaced a few windows in Austin with a company called Champion. They sell their own windows. We bought their windows because we really liked the quality. After installation we heard about the tax credit program, and found out that they qualify for the credit. The Champion windows run circles around the Pella windows (in operation, warranty, and efficiency) we installed in our vacation house two years ago, but they were more expensive too.
This is what our numbers tunred out to roughly be on teh geothermal
38 for the geothermal, 24 for a high rated SEER system. The 30% tax credit on 38 gets you pretty close to 25. Plus there is no damn condensing units outside, but you do have water pumps inside as a potential source of water leaks. Rocky soil insnt a concern where im at (Norman OK).
We have designed and almost finished building ourselves the house, been quite an experience. Out next peice of fun to tackle is making window moldings and interior/exterior trim out of styrafoam, amazing what they do with that.
38 for the geothermal, 24 for a high rated SEER system. The 30% tax credit on 38 gets you pretty close to 25. Plus there is no damn condensing units outside, but you do have water pumps inside as a potential source of water leaks. Rocky soil insnt a concern where im at (Norman OK).
We have designed and almost finished building ourselves the house, been quite an experience. Out next peice of fun to tackle is making window moldings and interior/exterior trim out of styrafoam, amazing what they do with that.
accuratehorn
10,000+ Posts
I'll check the Champion company.
I think because of so much limestone rock layers under much of Austin, that geothermal is an impractical choice. But I like the concept-would love to have a system. I will ask my HVAC company, because I saw today on their website they do install geothermal. Just north and east of Austin the blackland prarie starts, the beginning of the Great Plains, so I'm guessing that type soil is necessary for economy's sake.
I think because of so much limestone rock layers under much of Austin, that geothermal is an impractical choice. But I like the concept-would love to have a system. I will ask my HVAC company, because I saw today on their website they do install geothermal. Just north and east of Austin the blackland prarie starts, the beginning of the Great Plains, so I'm guessing that type soil is necessary for economy's sake.
We've been looking as well. I am still very much in the research phase, but hear pretty good things about Simonton windows. I am pretty sure they qualify, and if they don't typically, can easily be upgraded for a small amount to meet the .3/.3 requirement.
While part of me wants to get the whole house done and over with, I'm considering doing a few windows at a time. While it has its disadvantages, some advantages include:
1. spread the costs out;
2. if the installer knows you are doing it this way, it may encourage them to do better quality work (so you use them for the rest of the windows); and
3. you can possibly maximize the tax credit (if it gets extended again after 2010, which wouldn't surprise me at all).
I'd be interested in feedback re whether the disadvantages might outweigh the advantages.
While part of me wants to get the whole house done and over with, I'm considering doing a few windows at a time. While it has its disadvantages, some advantages include:
1. spread the costs out;
2. if the installer knows you are doing it this way, it may encourage them to do better quality work (so you use them for the rest of the windows); and
3. you can possibly maximize the tax credit (if it gets extended again after 2010, which wouldn't surprise me at all).
I'd be interested in feedback re whether the disadvantages might outweigh the advantages.
accuratehorn
10,000+ Posts
I must have got the two factors mixed up-I was told one of them wasn't as important in our climate, maybe it was the solar. These good windows cost a fortune, I'm still looking into it. I was also told you can put the really good grade on the side with the most heat gain, I guess west and south, and use less expensive ones on the other exposures if you need to economize. There are needs, and then there are wants, I suppose.
Installation is critical, because gaps can be left in your insulation or the sealing of the window to the frame of the house, and a good window won't do much good if air leaks all around the outside of it. We will have the siding off, so new construction flanged windows can be put in and the flanges sealed with wide tape all around, then the insulation blown in, then the Hardi plank siding put on. Should seal up well that way.
Installation is critical, because gaps can be left in your insulation or the sealing of the window to the frame of the house, and a good window won't do much good if air leaks all around the outside of it. We will have the siding off, so new construction flanged windows can be put in and the flanges sealed with wide tape all around, then the insulation blown in, then the Hardi plank siding put on. Should seal up well that way.
UnBiased Horn
250+ Posts
We just got this done in Houston a few weeks ago. We are very happy with the new windows.
A couple of good points already made on here. First, installation is very important, much moreso than brand of windows. If a window meets certain specs, then I doubt the brand makes that big of a different.
Second, just ask the company you are getting bids from to make sure the windows you are getting qualify for the credit. "Energy Star" designated windows do not always meet the credit requirements necessarily so be careful.
A couple of good points already made on here. First, installation is very important, much moreso than brand of windows. If a window meets certain specs, then I doubt the brand makes that big of a different.
Second, just ask the company you are getting bids from to make sure the windows you are getting qualify for the credit. "Energy Star" designated windows do not always meet the credit requirements necessarily so be careful.
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