Energy Star Partner of the Year

If you're looking to replace your old, drafty windows with something a little more energy-efficient, make sure to check out Energy Star when doing your research.  Because not all vinyl windows are the same!

Windows Plus offers Soft-Lite replacement windows in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas.  Soft-Lite has earned the distinction of being the only vinyl window manufacturer in the nation to earn the prestigious Energy Star Partner of the Year Award for Sustained Excellence!

Soft-Lite has earned this distinction due to their dedication to energy-efficient technology.  Since 1934, Soft-Lite has focused on offering superior windows at an affordable price.

So whether you're shopping for the best windows in Dayton or Cincinnati, check out Windows Plus.  We're focused on offering you the most energy efficient products in your area!

Energy Star Tax Credits 2016

If you're considering buying new windows or entry doors, you should be aware that the IRS has continued the Energy Star tax credit for 2016.  Replacement windows and entry doors are eligible for a tax credit, assuming they meet the Energy Star specifications for your specific area.

Your local window company should be able to tell you which of their products meet these criteria.  You can also use the Energy Star climate zone finder to figure out which climate zone you live in.

There are certain eligibility requirements that you must meet to receive your tax credit:

• The product(s) purchased must meet Energy Star program requirements
• The product(s) must be installed at the taxpayer's primary residence
• The product(s) must be installed between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016

You are eligible for a tax credit of 10% of the product cost, not including the cost of installation/labor.  There is a maximum of $500 total for all Energy Star tax credits.  If you've claimed a tax credit in a previous year, make sure to consult with your tax professional to make sure you are still eligible.

There are maximum tax credits for both windows and doors:

• $200 maximum credit for eligible windows
• $500 maximum credit for eligible doors

For more information, check out the Energy Star website.  And if you're shopping for windows or doors in the Southwest Ohio or Northern Kentucky areas, make sure to check out Windows Plus of Cincinnati and Dayton to find Energy Star rated replacement windows and entry doors.

And most of all, make sure you're not leaving money on the table!

Entry Door Finish Warranties

Most entry doors that you find come with some type of "limited lifetime warranty".  Many people make the assumption that this covers more than the warranty actually does.  It's a common mistake, but a mistake that can prove costly.  Especially when it comes to the door's finish warranty.

The finish of a modern entry door, whether it be a steel or fiberglass door, is usually made of either paint or a stain.  It is often applied at the factory, and therefore comes with its own distinct finish warranty.  But just because the door has a "limited lifetime warranty" doesn't mean the finish warranty is for a lifetime!

Entry doors from the big box stores often come with a substandard finish warranty.  This can become a headache for the homeowner, when they notice the the factory finish on their recently installed entry door is beginning to fade, crack, or peel.  Especially when they realize it's no longer covered by the door's warranty!

Big box store entry doors are notorious for providing short term finish warranties.  A deeper look into the warranty of one of the popular Home Depot entry door lines shows that the finish warranty only lasts for 45 days!

Quality matters when it comes to entry doors.  If you're shopping for entry doors in Dayton or entry doors in Cincinnati, check out the line of ProVia doors offered by Windows Plus.  These entry doors are not only built to last, but the finish warranties are good for seven to ten years!  Much longer than those doors offered at the big box stores.

Mike
The Window & Door Guy
Windows Plus of Cincinnati
Windows Plus of Dayton