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On February 17, 2009 the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was passed and signed into law. One provision of this Act allows homeowners to receive significant tax credits for certain energy efficient home improvements such as new garage doors in existing homes. Depending on the model selected, homeowners could realize up to a $1,500.00 tax credit through 2010.

In recent years an ever increasing number of homeowners have selected insulated replacement doors. The door manufacturers have responded by expanding the selection of insulated doors and raising the insulation R-value to as high as 17.2 on certain doors.

One of the more popular models today is a steel door with a faux wood finish which offers the look of a custom wood door without the maintenance of wood at a substantially lower cost. Carriage house designs and the traditional raised panel and flush panel designs are available for the tax credit.

In addition to the tax credits, homeowners could save on lower energy costs for their home as the standard non-insulated door only offers an R-value of less than R-3. Additionally, insulated doors are significantly less noisy and tend to have longer manufacturer’s warranties due to their increased durability.

To be eligible, the installed garage door must meet the following criteria:

• The door must be an insulated garage door installed in 2009 or 2010.
• The door must have an installed U-factor equal or less than 0.30 and there must be a means to control air infiltration at the door perimeter. This U-factor includes doors with or without windows. Doors with non-insulated windows would generally not comply.
• The door must be expected to remain in service for at least five years.
• The garage must be an insulated space.
• The garage must be a part of the taxpayer’s principal U.S. residence.
• The tax credit is calculated at 30% of the product costs and is limited to a maximum of $1,500.00

Remember also, no only could you enjoy the tax credit and energy savings, the right door on your home could increase the homes curb appeal and resale value.