Where to Get a Discount on New Windows in Your Home
Upgrading the windows of your home is one of the best ways to make your heating and cooling system more efficient and save on your utility bills. However, in the short term, new windows can come as a shock. Even at the lowest average, windows can cost upwards of $300 each, and the upgrades needed to weatherproof older windows can be even more expensive. Fortunately, there are several grant and rebate programs available to low- and middle-income homeowners to reduce home heating and cooling costs and improve the efficiency of home HVAC systems. Here are a few ways to find grants and other discounts you may be eligible for if you plan to upgrade your window.
How to Find Federal WAP Grants for Window Replacement
The first thing to know when looking for grants is how to apply for them. The US Office of State and Community Energy Programs offers some benefits that homeowners below the 200% poverty line automatically qualify for, known as the Warming Assistance Program (WAP). This program also applies to families eligible for additional social income, and sometimes to families receiving assistance for families with dependent children. Although this is a federal program, your state government is responsible for managing the funds, so you will need to contact your local state agency to apply.
How to find tax deductions and rebates
If you are not eligible for a low income subsidy, you can still access programs that will save you money on window replacements. Before deciding which new windows you plan to install, check with Energy Star for products that qualify for their rating and are eligible for up to $600 in tax credit from the federal government to repair your windows. These products are often labeled at your local home improvement store, or you can request Energy Star rated materials when you plan to replace through a contractor.
With this discount, there is no minimum number of windows you need to replace, so you can save even if you only need to update one or two windows. You can also qualify for local discounts that can save up to 75% on energy efficient windows, depending on which state you live in, so searching a website by zip code is always a good idea.
How to find local incentives to replace windows
In addition to coordinating with your state government, some utility providers also provide rebates or discounts on window replacements. Before you make your final decision to replace windows, be sure to find out about the benefits you may be eligible for through your electric or other utility company. Some local utilities will refer you to local discounts that can save you over 50% on your renovation project.
What else do you need to know
Be sure to get all the documentation for your insulation project ahead of time to make sure you have the proper paperwork when applying for a tax credit or local exemptions. If you choose to professionally install new windows, make sure your contractor knows you plan to apply for a discount at the time of installation to make sure the paperwork is in order.
Before you install new windows, a good contractor will be able to tell you what types of windows they specialize in, as well as what weather certifications they hold. Your contractor should point you to any discounts available to you as a homeowner and will be more than happy to save you some money on material costs as long as it doesn’t deprive them of their profits from the job.