But the most energy-efficient doors and windows are new, forcing consumers to choose between reducing waste and saving energy.
Tradesman's top tip: "A conservatory doesn't have to comply to any thermal performance criteria when there are thermally-efficient doors between the conservatory and the home," says Rebecca Clayton, of architectural glazing company IQ Glass.
Add solar panels, geothermal heaters or energy-efficient doors and windows, for example, and Uncle Sam will kick back 30% of your costs to buy and install them.
Energy-efficient doors and windows and a ceiling heat barrier are among the energy-saving features.
"AeroMobil is very efficient real door-to-door vehicle for medium distance travel [sic]." A couple inventors in California have just embraced the cost barriers of flying cars, mocking up designs last year for the GF7, a high-end luxury car with a proper jet engine (unlike the gas-fed models marketed by other flying car makers) capable of traveling 550 miles per hour in the air.
According to Hunter Douglas, its Duette Architella shades' triple-air-pocket design makes the window covering count as energy-efficient insulation, one of the categories of home improvements (along with energy-efficient windows, doors and roofs) that can snag you a credit.
The cost of energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation and certain roofs is also covered, but installation is not.
Householders can claim up to £4,000 for solid wall installation (down from £6,000 last time), up to £1,000 for two measures from an approved list that includes a condensing mains gas boiler, secondary glazing, floor insulation and energy-efficient replacement doors.
The stimulus package includes a 30% tax credit, with the maximum benefit of $1,500, for the purchase of energy-efficient windows, doors, furnaces, boilers, insulation or air conditioners.
You could qualify for state or utility rebates and a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the product cost for any qualifying energy-efficient windows, doors or skylights.
