Simonton Expands Energy Tax Credit (ETC) Glass Package Offering on Impact-Resistant Windows

PARKERSBURG, W. VA. - Simonton Windows^® has expanded the style offerings available with its popular Energy Tax Credit (ETC) glass packages in the company’s line of Simonton StormBreaker Plus^® impact-resistant windows. Picture and geometric window styles are now available and meet the U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or less that qualify homeowners to receive up to $1,500 in tax credit when purchasing qualifying energy-efficient windows. This tax credit incentive is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

ETC Glass Packages on Impact-Resistant Windows
Two Simonton ETC glass package options are currently available for StormBreaker Plus picture and geometric windows. They include:

• The ETC Super Solar SBP glass package, which includes a one-inch IGU, Super Spacer^® System, Argon gas fill and Low E glass on one surface with impact-resistant glass.
• The ETC Super 366 SBP glass package, which includes a one-inch IGU, Super Spacer System, Argon gas fill and LoĒ³-366^® glass on one surface with impact-resistant glass.

“We are continuing to add qualifying windows with ETC glass packages to our Simonton product offerings to provide homeowners with many options for gaining a tax credit when replacing their windows,” says Rebecca Taylor, coastal product manager with Simonton Windows. “Many coastal area homeowners demand large picture windows or dynamic geometric windows to capture seaside views. By offering more ETC glass package options in our Simonton StormBreaker Plus product line, homeowners can enjoy those views through beautiful energy-efficient windows and doors. At the same time, we’re providing an opportunity for them to take advantage of the government tax credit for upgrading their windows.”

ETC Glass Packages on Replacement Windows
Competitively priced ETC glass package options are also available on select Simonton replacement products and styles, each providing optimal thermal performance and energy efficiency.

• The ETC Starter glass package includes a 3/4-inch IGU, Intercept^® Spacer System, Argon gas fill and ProSolar™ Soft Coat Low E glass. 
• The ETC Starter 366 glass package includes a 3/4-inch IGU, Intercept® Spacer System, Argon gas fill and LoĒ³-366^® glass.
• The ETC Super Solar glass package includes a 7/8-inch IGU, Super Spacer^® System, Argon gas fill and ProSolar™ Soft Coat Low E glass.
• The ETC Super 366 glass package includes a 7/8-inch IGU, Super Spacer System, Argon gas fill and LoĒ³-366 glass.

Tax Credit Savings for Homeowners
According to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, homeowners can gain a tax credit of up to 30 percent of the cost of qualifying energy efficient upgrades to a maximum of $1,500 per household for 2009 and 2010. The law has some very specific restrictions, including:

1. Windows purchased must be equal to, or below, a U Factor of 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30.
2. The purchase of the qualified windows must be made during the taxable year for which the credit is being claimed.
3. The credit is only allowed on the price of the qualified windows themselves, not on installation costs, onsite preparation, assembly or sales tax.
4. The tax credit is allowable only for qualified window units placed in service in 2009 and 2010.

A full listing of energy-efficient Simonton replacement and impact-resistant products that qualify for the energy tax credit is available at www.simonton.com/taxcredit.
Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR^® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton ranked “Highest in Builder and Remodeler Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction Study^SM. The company was ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards from Market Research Associates.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in five days or less. Part of the home and hardware division of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton delivers nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States.

Simonton is a founding sponsor of The Weather Museum and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.

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Simonton Windows received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates/McGraw-Hill Construction 2008 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction Study^SM. Study based on 2,837 new-home builders and remodelers. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of new home builders and remodelers surveyed in May through June 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

ENERGY STAR is a government program that helps consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency and is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.