• Incentives are available for upgrading to energy-efficient windows.old colonial home windows image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
  
  A variety of tax incentives, grants and loans are available to individuals, businesses and local government agencies that want to begin energy-efficiency initiatives in the United States. Some are provided directly by the federal government, some by state governments, and some through federal money allocated to local agencies and governments for this express purpose. Specific programs provide incentives for purchasing energy-efficient windows.
  
  

Weatherization Assistance

• The United States Department of Energy provides grant programs designed to help low-income families permanently reduce their energy bill with energy-efficient windows. Although the money funding the Weatherization Assistance Program comes from the federal government, it is dispersed through local and state governments. The Department of Energy keeps a centralized database (see Resources) that lists the programs available in each state and locality.
  
  

Energy Start Tax Credits

• Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, consumers who purchase "Energy Star" certified skylights and windows may be eligible for tax credits of up to $1500. Under this program, consumers may claim a tax credit of up to $1500 for up to 30 percent of the purchase cost of new windows and skylights. To determine if windows and skylights qualify for this program, search for the Energy Star sticker.
  
  

Local Loans, Rebates and Other Fundning

• Different state and local authorities have instituted programs to provide assistance and incentives to homeowners wishing to install energy-efficient windows. Often, these are part of a broader initiative that includes assistance for producing green energy and other forms of home efficiency projects. In many locations, the local utility company is actually the agency administering the program. A complete list of local U.S. initiatives is at the Efficient Windows Collaborative website, listed in the Resource section.