[MassHistPres] Window replacement tax credit

[slater at alum.rpi.edu]

Are any communities starting to see more requests for window
replacements due to the 30% ($1,500 total) federal tax credit?

We have seen several in Springfield. We had previously created a list of
window models that we have deemed "appropriate", however I have been
told by a contractor that many of the windows on our list do not meet
the tax credit criteria. For example, on the Anderson website, of their
Woodwright models, the "grids between the glass" has 6 models which
qualify, but the "divided light with spacer" model only has 2 models
(out of 6) which qualify. 

Pella has the same issues -- only a small subset of their product line
qualifies for the tax credit. The qualification is based on the
"U-Factor" and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. Single-pane windows
(even with storms) cannot qualify.

The contractor I spoke with told me in no uncertain terms that
replacement windows are temporary, something that a homeowner would
typically "upgrade" when they buy a new house, and that the windows
being installed have a lifespan of about 20 years. Yet these are being
sold as "eco-friendly" products. 

This tax credit seems to be further pushing homeowners to throw out
their original wooden windows to install products which will need to be
replaced again in 20 years. It is hard enough to convince a homeowner to
pay a few extra dollars to get a replacement window which is reasonably
appropriate for our historic districts, now this tax credit is making
vinyl windows far more attractive (due to a price subsidy) even though
the energy performance is not very much better than a more appropriate
styled window.

Is there any movement at the state or national levels to recognize
historic preservation versus replacement? I'm concerned that as we push
to "green", old buildings are going to be more and more threatened as
they are seen as "bad".

Ralph Slate
Springfield, MA 
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