"Green" window tax credit and junk mail

[masraum]

I've started getting junk mail from folks trying to sell us new windows. We do need new windows. Our house was built in '67 with Al framed windows that are in moderate shape.

The ads are trying to say that you can get windows installed practically free because of the gov't aid. I did some research and it seems that the govt is willing to give you 30% of the cost of the windows up to $1500 not including labor/installation, so I'm having a hard time seeing how they're managing.

Does anyone have any idea what this is all about?

We'd like to get our windows replaced. It seems like this might be the year to do it even if just for the 30%.

[Gogar]

Do you mean up to $1500 total?

$1500 at my house was about 3 windows, and I got some middle-of-the-road vinyl.

If you want Andersens or Pellas or something nice, that $1500 is about 1-2 windows.

So, if you have a nice little house with, say, 20 windows and you're going to spend anywhere from let's say $7500 to $20,000, the concept of "practically free" seems a little optimistic.

[peppy]

Gogar maybe the windows in Colorado are more expensive than warmer climates. The ones I am pricing are $150 to $300 each.

[masraum]

I think the $1500 total means

$5000 for windows, 30% of 5000 is $1500.

I think they'll pay 30% of $5000 worth of windows, ie up to $1500.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by masraum

I think the $1500 total means

$5000 for windows, 30% of 5000 is $1500.

I think they'll pay 30% of $5000 worth of windows, ie up to $1500.

You have that right. I'm having all new vinyl windows installed soon they are being made now. Thermal pane with E shield and argon gas. You can't just buy ANY windows they have to meet certain specs or no dice. I decided to replace the windows this year because of the 30% incentive. Good incentive plus I'll save on the electric bill and adds resale value to the house. And I was able to get 12 months no payment no interest so I'm working off their money .

[Tervuren]

I don't get this *green* craze. If something is more efficient, enough to be cost valuable, then why label it as green? Why not label it as frugal?

[HardDrive]

Be very careful with what you buy. They have to have a certain 'R' factor to qualify. We just renovated, and discovered that only about 1/2 the windows we got qualify.

[Scuba Steve]

I thought double paned windows were of more value in colder climates? I got a lot more out of tinting some windows in a room that was always hot than any other improvement anyway. Planting something that would've provided shade would have worked too, but I didn't want to wait that long.

[djmcmath]

Not to hijack, but ...

Window prices seem to vary a lot regionally. A friend of mine in RI was saying that he could get good quality vinyl for almost nothing, and wood for only a little more than that. He paid a professional to renovate his windows (old house) at like $200 each, but took on the extra expense because of the old house thing.

Meanwhile, in the DC area, $200 gets you a s*** vinyl, $500 gets a reasonable quality window (either vinyl or wood), and $1000 is pretty typical for the good stuff.


...And I'm sure those guys saying "Free windows!" are completely bogus. Go with some reliable, as indicated by the fact that they aren't making up BS lines like "Try our free windows!"

Dan

[A930Rocket]

Before tinting a dbl pane window, check with the window mfg as any seals that break will not be covered. the tinting co. may offer a warranty as well, but it may be hard to collect, if they're still around.

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by peppy

Gogar maybe the windows in Colorado are more expensive than warmer climates. The ones I am pricing are $150 to $300 each.

Maybe, but I also realize now that the $500 average includes my 'installed' price, so that's removal of old windows, tin work, etc. and installation of the new.