Federal Tax Credits On Select Energy-Efficient Products Extended Through 2011

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J., Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Reinsurance Authorization and Jobs Creation Act of 2010, which re-extended federal tax credits on select energy-efficient products for 2011.  Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades from leading window covering manufacturer Hunter Douglas are among those products, and with more than 180 color and design choices, one of the most strikingly beautiful ones at that. They are the first and only window shades without add-on insulation systems to qualify for the credit.

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Federal tax credits for energy-efficient products are now available for 10 percent of the cost of most Duette Architella shades, up to a maximum of $500 in total, when purchased and installed between January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, provided the expense meets the tax guidelines.  Five hundred dollars is the maximum combined total amount that can be claimed for all purchases of qualifying energy-efficient products placed in service during this period.  It is also subject to reduction in the amount of similar tax credits taken in prior years.  Homeowners should consult with their tax advisors to determine eligibility.

Highly insulating Duette Architella shades can more than double the energy-efficiency of a window.  Based on calculations verified by the Rocky Mountain Institute, Duette Architella shades, when properly installed, can save up to $60 per average-sized window.  (Estimates will vary by region.)

"Uncovered windows can literally be energy holes, depleting a home of up to half of its heating and cooling energy dollars," 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 address this problem.  This takes the air-trapping cellular structure of our original Duette honeycomb shade and makes it even more energy-efficient by placing a cell within a cell."

"Already a best-seller," continued Hopkins, "Duette Architella shades have seen even stronger sales since the product originally qualified for the federal tax credit in October 2009."  

All energy-efficient products that qualify must be for existing homes, not new home construction, and the categories include Windows and Doors, Insulation Materials & Systems, Roofs, HVAC, Water Heaters (non-solar) and Biomass Stoves.  Most Duette Architella shades that are mounted completely inside the window frame over double-glazed windows may qualify under the insulation category.  Specifically, qualifying Duette Architella shades are categorized as an "Eligible Building Envelope Components."

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 this federal tax credit. They will need to keep a copy of their receipt and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement for their records.

Duette® Architella® Shades: Energy Savings Made Beautiful

Introduced in 2006, Duette Architella shades can up to double the insulating R-value of double-glazed windows.  Their patented honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design forms more air pockets than traditional honeycomb shades and reduces heat transfer at the window by up to 50 percent when the shades are properly installed. And with solar heat gain coefficients as low as 0.15, Duette Architella shades help keep the home cooler in summer, as well.

And, 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.

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), the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and an Energy Star Partner as well.  With production facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada, Hunter Douglas has also implemented an aggressive plan to reduce its overall carbon emissions by 20 percent over a three-year period.

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.  To date, 33,625 trees have been planted in North America and 193 acres of rainforest preserved as a result of these donations.  

Hunter Douglas also provides monies to the Acumen Fund – an equity fund that invests in technologies that assist millions of people in developing countries to live safer and healthier lives while reducing their impact on the environment.  Its activities include purifying drinking water and backing the commercialization of LED lighting products to replace polluting kerosene lamps.

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

Hunter Douglas Inc. is a national sponsor of Habitat for Humanity, covering windows in every Habitat home built in the U.S. and Canada.  Headquartered in Upper Saddle River N.J., the company is the leading manufacturer of custom window fashions in North America.  For more information, contact Hunter Douglas at 1-800-274-2985 or visit www.hunterdouglas.com.

SOURCE Hunter Douglas