Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) for windows and doors. See link.
Window Technologies: Low-E Coatings
Low-emittance (Low-E) coating are microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a window or skylight glazing surface primarily to reduce the U-factor by suppressing radiative heat flow. The principal mechanism of heat transfer in multilayer glazing is thermal radiation from a warm pane of glass to a cooler pane. Coating a glass surface with a low-emittance material and facing that coating into the gap between the glass layers blocks a significant amount of this radiant heat transfer, thus lowering the total heat flow through the window. Low-E coatings are transparent to visible light. Different types of Low-E coatings have been designed to allow for high solar gain, moderate solar gain, or low solar gain. View specific information.
Industry Updates
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes tax credits for qualifying window and door replacements placed in service in 2009 and 2010.
The taxpayer is entitled to a tax credit in the amount of 30% of the cost (not to exceed $1,500) for all window and door replacements which meet the following replacements:
1. The windows and doors must have a U-Factor <= .30 and SHGC <= .30.
2. The windows or doors must be installed and ready for use between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
3. The products must be for the taxpayer’s principal residence
4. The maximum amount that can be claimed between 2009 and 2010 for most qualifying home improvement products is $1,500.
5. The taxpayer must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement to qualify.
6. The taxpayer should save their receipts and the MCS. We also recommend saving the NFRC label from one of the windows showing the U-factor and SHGC.
7. The improvements made in 2009 will be claimed on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010) — use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) — it will be available late 2009 or early 2010.
8. Windows and Doors only qualify for existing homes, not new construction.