From time to time, we compile some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients. We have organized those questions into the following categories:
1. Insurance & Tax discounts (read more)
2. Design characteristics (read more)
3. Testing & Permitting (read more)
4. Cost (read more)
5. Energy Efficiency (read more)
6. Miscellaneous
(read more)
1. INSURANCE & TAX DISCOUNTS
Q: If I install hurricane impact-resistant windows and doors in my house, do I obtain insurance premium discounts?
A: Yes,
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation gives discounts for
impact-resistant windows and doors. In order to obtain the discounts, all of the home openings must be protected. Policyholders with questions about mitigation should contact their insurance agents to be certain that they are receiving proper credit for any steps taken to strengthen their home. According to an article published on Citizen's website, premium discounts of up to 45% can be available to those policyholders who show proof of risk mitigation alternatives. You can access additional information at Citizens Website-
www.citizenspropertyinsurance.com.
In accordance with Florida statute 627.0629 regarding residential property insurance, all insurance companies that provide homeowner's insurance to residents in Florida must offer some type of discount for dwellings that have an effective windstorm protective system installed. The first paragraph of the statute reads as follows: Effective June 1, 2002, a rate filing for residential property insurance must include actuarially reasonable discounts, credits, or other rate differentials, or appropriate reductions in deductibles, for properties on which fixtures or construction techniques demonstrated to reduce the amount of loss in a windstorm have been installed or implemented. The fixtures or construction techniques shall include, but not be limited to, fixtures or construction techniques which enhance roof strength, roof covering performance, roof-to-wall strength, wall-to-floor-to-foundation strength, opening protection, and window, door, and skylight strength. Credits, discounts, or other rate differentials for fixtures and construction techniques which meet the minimum requirements of the Florida Building Code must be included in the rate filing. All insurance companies must make a rate filing which includes the credits, discounts, or other rate differentials by February 28, 2003. By July 1, 2007, the office shall re-evaluate the discounts, credits, other rate differentials, and appropriate reductions in deductibles for fixtures and construction techniques that meet the minimum requirements of the Florida Building Code, based upon actual experience or any other loss relativity studies available to the office. The office shall determine the discounts, credits, other rate differentials, and appropriate reductions in deductibles that reflect the full actuarial value of such revaluation, which may be used by insurers in rate filings.
Q: Is there a tax credit for energy efficient windows and doors?
A: Yes, windows and doors do qualify for a tax credit.
Reimbursement amount: The government will give you a tax credit for 30% of the cost (not including installation and labor costs), up to $1,500
Effective dates: The tax credit is in effect in 2009 and 2009. The product must be installed in your "primary residence" between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009.
Details: From June 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
windows and doors must have a U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) less than or equal to 0.30. This is a super efficient product, and most
ENERGY STAR items will not qualify. From January 1 - May 31, 2009 all ENERGY STAR approved windows and doors qualified for the credit. You do not have to replace all the windows in your home to qualify.
Find qualified models: You can find the U-factor and SHGC on the National Fenestration Rating Council (
NFRC) label. NFRC is the only federally recognized organization for determining the energy performance of windows, doors and skylights.
How to apply: File Tax Form 5695 with your tax return.
Q: Is there a tax credit for impact windows and doors?
A: Yes,
Impact resistant windows and doors do qualify for a tax credit.
Reimbursement amount: The government will give you a tax credit for 30% of the cost (not including installation and labor costs), up to $1,500
Effective dates: The tax credit is in effect in 2009 and 2009. The product must be installed in your "primary residence" between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009.
Details:
Storm window. A storm window that, in combination with the exterior window over which it is installed:
(a) Has a U-factor and SHGC of 0.30 or below; and
(b) Meets the prescriptive criteria for such component established by the IECC.
Storm door. A
storm door that, in combination with the exterior door over which it is installed--
(a) Has a U-factor and SHGC of 0.30 or below; and
(b) Meets the prescriptive criteria for such component established by the IECC.
Find qualified models: The best way to find
storm windows/doors that qualify for the tax credit is to ask your retailer. To verify tax credit eligibility, ask your retailer to provide the Manufacturer's Certification Statement for the storm windows/doors you plan to purchase. Or search on the Manufacturer's website.
How to apply: File Tax form 5695 with your tax return.
