Upgrading your home’s windows is one of the best ways to make your heating and cooling system more efficient and save on utility bills. In the short-term, though, new windows can come with some sticker-shock. Even on the low-end of the average, windows can cost upwards of $300 each, and upgrades necessary to weatherize older windows can be even more expensive. Luckily, there are some grant programs and rebates available to low- and middle-income homeowners to lower home heating and cooling costs and increase efficiency of home HVAC systems. Here are some ways to find grants and other discounts you might be eligible for if you’re planning on making a window upgrade.
How to find federal WAP grants for window replacement
The first thing to know when looking for grants is how to qualify. The U.S. Office of State and Community Energy Programs has some benefits that homeowners below 200% of the poverty line will qualify for automatically, known as the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). This program also applies to families that qualify for Supplemental Security Income and sometimes to families that receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children. While this is a federal program, your state government is in charge of administering the funds, so you’ll need to get in contact with your local state agency to apply.
How to find tax rebates and discounts
If you don’t qualify for a low-income grant, there are still programs you can access that will save you money on window replacement. Before deciding on what new windows you plan to install, check with Energy Star for products that are covered by their rating and qualify for up to a $600 tax rebate from the federal government on your window renovation. These products are often marked at your local home improvement store, or you can ask for Energy Star-rated materials when you schedule a replacement through a contractor.
With this rebate, there is no minimum number of windows you need to replace, so you can save even if you need only one or two windows upgraded. You might also qualify for local rebates that can save you up to 75% on energy efficient windows, depending on what state you live in, so searching on the website by zip code is always a good idea.
How to find local incentives on replacement windows
In addition to checking with your state government, some utility providers also provide rebates or discounts for window replacement. Make sure to look up any benefits you might be entitled to through your electrical or other utility company before you make your final decision on replacement windows. Some local utilities will direct you to local discounts that could save you more than 50% off your renovation project.
What else to know
Make sure to get all documentation on your weatherization project up front to be sure you have the proper paperwork when filing for your tax rebate or for local incentives. If you choose to have your new windows professionally installed, make sure your contractor knows you plan to apply for a rebate at the time of installation to be sure the paperwork is in order.
Before you install new windows, a good contractor will be able to tell you what type of windows they specialize in as well as what weatherization certifications they carry. Your contractor should be able to point you toward any discounts available to you as the homeowner, and will be more than happy to save you some money on the cost of materials, as this doesn’t take away from their profit on the job.
