An energy tax credit for garage door replacement could offset cost of the job’s labor and materials. Can you get a rebate when you file your taxes? Are there other cost savings involved with garage door replacement?
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
In 2009, the U.S. government passed laws issuing consumer tax credits for certain energy-efficient garage doors installed in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. They had to meet the criteria set forth by the law to be eligible. For example, the U-factor, which measures heat flow transmittance, had to measure 0.3 or less. The doors had to be insulated and attached to a residential building – the taxpayer’s home of record. The savings for taxpayers claiming credits during these years equaled 30 percent of the total cost, up to $1,500. Regrettably, the tax credit expired and current homeowners cannot receive tax breaks for garage door improvements, but significant savings can be had elsewhere that might even top the government subsidies.
How Much Will an Insulated Door Save on Energy Costs?
Homeowners can begin initiating cost savings by replacing worn, aging garage doors with triple-layered insulated doors with high R-values, the measurement that indicates a material’s thermal resistance. Garages with insulated doors will lose 71 percent less energy, according to a study conducted by national garage door manufacturers. With energy savings this substantial, not only will the brand-new replacement result in a more secure, well-insulated garage space, the utility bill discount may surpass the money saved through a potential tax break throughout the life of the garage door. The actual costs are difficult to calculate, as the outdoor temperature, condition of the garage door, and interior temperature will all influence the resulting savings for each homeowner. Your garage door isn’t the only exterior door that can help with energy savings, your front door may be causing you to lose energy too, especially if it old and worn. Checking out helpful websites such as https://www.doorsplus.com.au/ to see how you can change your front door to a more energy-efficient door is a good start to take.
Reinforce Existing Door
According to Energy Star, sealing and insulating the main openings in a home to guard against air leaks can drop energy bills by 10 percent. This coupled with a prepaid energy plan can lead to more eco-friendly, energy-efficient homes that help homeowners save on their electric charges. When an attached garage is used as the main entrance to the home, constant lifting and lowering in winter can have a disastrous effect on the total monthly utility bill. Not only does the cold draft sweep into the home through the interior entrance, the cold air can also freeze the living space located above the garage. This isn’t something that you should want to deal with, particularly as you should want to get as cheap an energy bill as possible. There are two ways that you can do this, the first (and most obvious one) is to become energy efficient. The second is to switch providers, particularly if you can get a cheaper rate with them. So, if this is something that you like the idea of, then why not check out these Cirro Energy reviews to give you a better idea of how changing providers could help you.
Homeowners can take immediate preventive measures against heat loss by replacing the weather seal strip that outlines the current door. Batt insulation, foam board or reflective foil are also available for purchase in a kit from home-improvement stores. It’s wise to consult with a professional before applying insulation, however, as the added weight can tax the garage door opening mechanism and put pressure on the frame. Homeowners can also add insulation to the garage ceiling to prevent energy from exiting through the upper floorboards when the garage door opens.
Stay in contact with Accent Garage Doors for any new developments regarding energy tax credits for garage doors, and for individualized quotes on fully insulated replacement doors.
