Too often we see and hear advertising that screams “Hurry! Once-in-a-Lifetime offer! This price will never be this low again!” And we become skeptical – because next month the offer is repeated and the price may be as low or lower.

The government’s ENERGY TAX CREDIT PROGRAM, which ends this December 31, 2010, should NOT be looked at in the same light. This program, which offers homeowners up to $1,500 to install qualified energy-efficient windows, is a really good one that probably will not be repeated because of our country’s growing debt.

Moreover, another huge reason for homeowners to take advantage of the program is that installing highly energy-efficient windows and doors LOWERS home energy bills – so it puts more cash in consumers’ pockets IMMEDIATELY once these products are installed. That’s besides all the other benefits, like easier maintenance and a more comfortable and more beautiful home.

What’s the catch? Well, it’s not really a catch, but it’s important for homeowners to know that — to get the tax credit — qualifying windows and doors must be INSTALLED before December 31, not just purchased! Some people might say, "But it’s a long way to the end of the year — There’s plenty of time."

Not exactly true. The problem is that it takes time for consumers to research products, meet with a home-improvement company, make decisions about product styles, colors and options and arrange for financing when needed. Then, the contract has to be executed, the measuring done and several weeks are needed for companies like ours to manufacture and deliver the windows or doors to the dealer. Lastly, the home-improvement company or contractor needs to schedule the installation, with new projects going to the end of the line.

The entire process easily takes months, and you can imagine that — as we get closer to the end of the year — the number of people recognizing the need to move on this tax credit opportunity will increase exponentially. I am 100 percent certain that a great many people who want to take advantage of the tax credit program will lose out because they waited too long. We saw it last year with a huge rush in orders at the end of the year. The difference is the credit lasted from 2009 through 2010, so the ones who missed getting products installed for year-end 2009 had the ability to still take advantage of the credit in 2010. Yes, they missed the credit for the 2009 tax returns, but at least they could take advantage of it this year. The credit is not scheduled to continue, and there is no talk in Congress to continue the credit. December 31, 2010, you either have had your windows and doors replaced or you lose the opportunity to save $1,500 forever.

I urge homeowners who need new windows and doors to start NOW, today, to ensure they beat the rush and get both the tax credit money, as well as all the other immediate benefits of having new windows and doors!