As most window industry professionals know, attempts to extend the 2010 $1,500 Tax Credit on energy–efficient windows, doors, insulation and other home-improvements did not succeed. The legislation passed by Congress and signed by the president last week does include a tax credit, but only up to $200 for ENERGY STAR qualified windows and skylights and up to $500 for ENERGY STAR qualified doors for 2011. This is a far cry from the expiring $1,500 tax credit that is such a good thing in so many ways for consumers and the country. The fight for higher tax credits for replacement windows and doors isn’t over, however. Remodeling and window industry groups are continuing to press for new incentives in 2011. Rich Walker of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) sums up the situation nicely:

"Homeowners who are currently caught in the crossfire of depreciated home values and a lagging economy will be unable to make these important energy-saving purchases without the assistance of any substantive incentive …” To be sure, consumers have other things on their minds at this time of the year, but we all need to be on board with continuing efforts for new tax credit legislation in 2011. Anyone interested in voicing an opinion about re-establishing a stronger tax credit for retrofit windows and doors should contact their federal legislators.

An easy way to begin the process of contacting representatives in Washington is to visit www.house.gov and enter your zip code in the “Find Your Representative” search form in the upper left corner of the page, or to visit www.senate.gov and select your state from the drop-down menu in the upper right corner of the page.