Are you tired of drafty, outdated windows that constantly leak your heating and cooling, as well as your money? Then consider replacing your windows with a more energy-efficient upgrade—not only will it save you money on energy costs, but you may qualify for tax credits or cash-back rebates. (And who doesn’t like the sound of that?)
What Tax Credits & Rebates Are Available for Replacement Windows?
There are a few tax credits and rebate programs available for homeowners in Wisconsin who are looking to replace their windows with more energy-efficient models:
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
If you made energy-efficient upgrades to your home between January 1st, 2023, and December 31st, 2025, you can still qualify for a tax credit in 2026 thanks to the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (section 25c). A tax credit is different than a tax deduction in that it will actually lower the total amount of taxes you owe!
- The ($) amount: You can qualify for up to 30% of the cost of replacement windows, up to $600. This only covers the cost of the products, not labor fees.
- How to apply: File a Residential Energy Credits Form (Form 5695) with your 2026 tax return. You can only claim the credit for the year the windows were installed, not purchased.
- Who qualifies: Homeowners who made energy-efficient window upgrades to their main residence before December 31st, 2025. The upgrades must have been made to an already existing home, not a new one.
The IRA HOMES Program
The HOMES program is a federally funded rebate program that has allocated $149 million for home improvement upgrades. It provides rebates to homeowners who may make whole-home, energy-efficient improvements, which include window upgrades. (However, that means replacing your windows alone won’t qualify you.)
- The ($) amount: You can qualify for up to $10,000 in rebates! The amount is decided by your projected energy savings and income (which determines your rebate levels, and can be anywhere rom 50% to 100% of the project costs).
- How to apply: Fill out an online application at Focus on Energy. Once approved, you’ll have to choose a contractor from their approved list and get a home energy assessment. Based on your assessment, your rebate amount will be determined.
- Who qualifies: All single-family or multi-family property owners who are looking to make energy efficient upgrades. Your project must reduce energy usage by at least 20% in order to qualify!
Weatherization Assistance
The U.S. Department of Energy has introduced the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides low-income homeowners and renters with cost-free energy efficiency improvements. Among the many different types of upgrades that are available, window replacements are included.
- The ($) amount: While the actual amount depends on the results of your energy-efficiency audit, the average per home is typically around $19,000.
- How to apply: You have to start by applying for energy assistance through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). Based on your WHEAP application, you may be eligible for weatherization services.
- Who qualifies: You must be a homeowner or renter with a gross household income less than or equal to 60% of the Wisconsin state median income. You also must be receiving (or have applied to receive) energy assistance through WHEAP.
What Types of Energy-Efficient Replacement Windows Qualify?
Most federal tax credits and state-level rebates require your window replacements to be ENERGY STAR certified (or, in some cases, of equivalent efficiency) to qualify. ENERGY STAR windows are windows that meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) energy efficiency guidelines.
Most ENERGY STAR windows are designed with energy-saving features like high-quality frames, multiple panes, gas fills, and warm-edge spaces. Look for windows that have a blue ENERGY STAR label outlining their energy performance ratings, or talk to a reliable window contractor about what energy efficient options they have available.
What Are the Benefits of Upgrading Your Windows?
If you’re still not sure whether or not it’s worth it to upgrade your windows, learn more about all the benefits they provide:
- Energy Bill Savings: Did you know that energy-efficient window upgrades can save you up to 13% on household energy bills? That can be up to $501 a year!
- Environmentally Friendly: By upgrading your windows and reducing the amount of energy you’re consuming, you’re also reducing your carbon footprint.
- Increased Property Value: Upgrading outdated windows to more eye-catching and energy-efficient models can increase property value and attract more buyers.
- Less Damage to Belongings: Prolonged sun exposure can cause your floors, furniture, and other furnishings to become bleached or discolored. However, more modern, energy-efficient windows tend to have a low-emissivity coating. That means fewer UV rays will be able to pass through and cause damage!
- Added Comfort: A home with energy-efficient windows will experience better temperature regulation, noise reduction, increased natural sunlight, and fewer drafts, thereby boosting overall comfort levels.
Looking to Replace Your Windows? Contact Standard Windows & Doors Today
Interested in replacing your windows with more energy efficient models? Then contact us today! At Standard Windows & Doors, we have years of experience helping people upgrade their homes. Our experts will work with you to help you navigate the qualifications for tax credits or rebates, ensuring you’re able to save as much money as possible!
