Federal Energy Tax Credits Reinstated For 2012-2013

PEARL RIVER, N.Y., Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 2, 2013, President Obama signed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which reinstated for 2012-2013 the Federal Tax Credit of up to $500 on select energy-efficient products.  Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades from leading window covering manufacturer Hunter Douglas are among those products, and with the exciting array of fabrics, colors and textures offered, one of the most beautiful.  They are the only window shades without add-on insulation systems to qualify for the credit.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130227/NY66890 )

Duette Architella shades feature a patented design that creates more air pockets than traditional honeycomb shades and can substantially reduce energy transfer at the window, helping to save on utility costs.  Opaque Duette Architella shades can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 40 percent in winter and reduce solar heat gain through windows by up to 80 percent in summer. 

"Almost five percent of all energy consumed in the U.S. passes through the windows of residential homes," said Marv Hopkins, Hunter Douglas President and CEO.  "We specifically designed and developed the award-winning, design-forward Duette Architella shade – our most energy-efficient product and the fastest-growing innovation in the extremely popular cellular category – to significantly reduce energy loss at the window.  This takes the air-trapping cellular structure of our original Duette honeycomb shade and makes it even more energy-efficient by placing a second cell within the original one." 

The Federal Tax Credit opportunity is largely the same as in 2011, when consumers were eligible for a credit of 10 percent of the cost of qualifying Duette Architella shades, up to a maximum of $500, provided the expense meets the tax guidelines.  The shades must be purchased and installed between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013.  Anyone who received a rebate of $500 or more from the similar tax credit that was in effect during 2010 and 2011 is not eligible for the credit for 2012-2013.  For anyone who received a credit of less than $500 during these prior years, that amount will be deducted from the $500 credit for the 2012-2013 years. The 2012-2013 tax credit is subject to a lifetime limitation of $500. Homeowners should consult with their tax advisors to determine eligibility.

All energy-efficient products that qualify for this Federal Tax Credit must be for existing homes, not new construction, and must be considered the consumer's principal residence.  Certain Duette Architella shades that are mounted completely inside the window frame over double-glazed windows may qualify.  Homeowners should check the Manufacturer's Certification Statement available at hunterdouglas.com/taxcredit for a list of qualifying Architella fabrics and lifting systems and restrictions and also consult their tax advisor to determine whether they are eligible for the tax credit.  They will need to keep a copy of their receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement for their records.

Like most Hunter Douglas product offerings, Duette Architella shades have passed rigorous standards and test procedures and are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® and GREENGUARD for Children & Schools(SM) Certified.  Certain fabric styles also contain recycled materials.

The Hunter Douglas Corporate Commitment

The Hunter Douglas commitment to energy conservation does not end at industry-leading product innovation.  The company is an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and an ENERGY STAR® Partner as well.  With production facilities throughout the U.S., Hunter Douglas has instituted a rigorous plan to implement new programs and processes to continuously reduce its overall carbon emissions.

Related philanthropic outreach includes financial support of the Arbor Day Foundation in its efforts to replant trees lost to fires and to preserve rapidly diminishing rainforest lands. 

"From products to processes to philanthropy, environmental consciousness is a core Hunter Douglas value," concluded Hopkins.

Hunter Douglas Inc., headquartered in Pearl River, N.Y., is the leading manufacturer and marketer of custom window coverings in North America and a major manufacturer of architectural products with approximately 6,000 employees and 40 divisions in the U.S. and Canada.  The Company is also a national sponsor of Habitat for Humanity, covering windows in every Habitat home built in North America.

For more information, call 1-800-274-2985 or visit: www.hunterdouglas.com.

SOURCE Hunter Douglas