Maximize Your Savings: How Middlesex County Homeowners Can Cash In on 2024’s Energy-Efficient Window Shade Tax Incentives

The year 2024 presents an unprecedented opportunity for Massachusetts homeowners to upgrade their window treatments while enjoying substantial tax savings. The federal government is offering tax credits of up to $1,200 annually for qualifying energy-efficient window treatments, allowing homeowners to earn 30% of their purchase price back. For Middlesex County residents looking to enhance both their home’s comfort and their bank account, understanding these incentives is crucial.

Understanding the 2024 Federal Energy Tax Credit

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit allows homeowners to claim credits for qualifying property placed in service from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2025, with the ability to claim the maximum annual credit every year during this period. The credit equals 30% of the product cost, excluding installation, with a maximum credit of $1,200 per year.

What makes this particularly attractive for window shade investments is that unlike doors ($250 each or $500 total) and windows ($600 per year), there are no sub-caps for window shades, meaning the full $1,200 maximum applies. This means Middlesex County homeowners could potentially save hundreds of dollars on their window treatment upgrades.

Qualifying Window Treatments for Maximum Savings

Not all window treatments qualify for these tax incentives. The federal government offers energy tax credits specifically on select energy-efficient cellular shades, including Hunter Douglas Duette® Honeycomb Shades and other qualifying honeycomb products. These products qualify because they were tested by the federal government to help reduce utility costs, with testing conducted by the AERC (Attachments Energy Rating Council), which is part of the Department of Energy.

Cellular shades feature a honeycomb-shaped design that traps air in pockets, creating an insulating barrier between windows and the outdoors. This insulation helps keep homes cozy in winter and cool during summer, reducing strain on HVAC systems and lowering energy bills.

The Energy Efficiency Advantage

For Middlesex County homeowners dealing with New England’s variable climate, energy-efficient window treatments offer year-round benefits. Light filtering cellular shades can save 70% of heat gain in warmer months and 40% of heat loss during winter months. Some energy-efficient shutters can conserve hot and cold air by as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

While blinds allow air to pass through their slats, creating gaps where heat escapes or enters, cellular shades provide a continuous barrier that helps maintain consistent temperatures, keeping homeowners comfortable while controlling energy costs.

Mohawk Shade & Blind Inc: Your Middlesex County Partner

Located in Cambridge, Mohawk Shade & Blind Inc. is a locally owned and operated company with over 30+ years of industry experience, offering a variety of commercial and residential window covering installations, specializing in blinds, shades and indoor shutter installation. Since 1986, they’ve been crafting window solutions that transform houses into homes, helping customers choose the perfect fit for their space while creating harmony and comfort for families.

For homeowners seeking professional Window Shades Middlesex County installation, Mohawk Shade & Blind Inc. prides itself on the quality of their work as well as their commitment to outstanding results, building lasting relationships while guaranteeing customer satisfaction.

How to Claim Your Tax Credit

Taking advantage of these savings requires proper documentation and timing. You must claim the credit for the tax year when the property is installed, not merely purchased. To qualify, you need to purchase eligible products between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, and save your invoice to submit with your tax documents.

File Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits Part II, with your tax return to claim the credit. Remember that costs for measuring, installing, sales tax and shipping are not included in the credit calculation. You’ll need to meet with your tax professional to deduct the 30% credit from your tax return.

Important Considerations and Limitations

The Federal Energy Tax Credit program will not carry over into 2025 for honeycomb and cellular shade orders, making 2024 the final opportunity for homeowners to take advantage of these substantial savings.

When calculating your credit, you may need to subtract subsidies, rebates, or other financial incentives from your qualified property expenses, as public utility subsidies for buying or installing clean energy property are subtracted from qualified expenses.

Making the Investment Count

For Middlesex County homeowners, investing in energy-efficient window treatments represents more than just tax savings. Consumers contribute to a more sustainable environment by lowering energy use while gaining savings on utility bills—a win-win opportunity that has immediate benefits with the tax credit by directly lowering your tax bill for that year.

With 2024 marking the final year for these generous tax incentives on window treatments, Middlesex County homeowners should act quickly to maximize their savings. By partnering with experienced local professionals like Mohawk Shade & Blind Inc., residents can ensure they receive both quality installations and proper documentation needed to claim their full tax benefits.

Don’t let this opportunity pass by—contact qualified window treatment professionals today to explore your options and start saving on both your energy bills and your tax liability.