The federal government offers substantial tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, and windows and doors are among the qualifying products. Here's exactly what Illinois homeowners can claim in 2026 and how to maximize your savings.
What You Can Claim in 2026
Windows: 30% of product cost, up to $600 per year. This applies to Energy Star Most Efficient certified windows. The credit covers the product cost only, not installation labor. For a typical 15-window Chicagoland project costing $8,000-$12,000 in product, you'd claim $600 (the annual maximum).
Exterior doors: 30% of product cost, up to $250 per door, with a maximum of $500 per year for all doors combined. Both entry doors and patio doors qualify if they meet Energy Star requirements.
Combined maximum: You can claim both window and door credits in the same year, for a combined maximum of $1,200 per year in tax credits for all energy-efficient home improvements (which also includes insulation, HVAC, and water heaters). The window and door credits have their own sub-limits within this total.
Which Products Qualify?
Windows and doors must meet Energy Star Most Efficient criteria for your climate zone. Northern Illinois is in the Northern climate zone, which requires windows with a U-factor of 0.25 or less and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.40 or less. Most Andersen triple-pane windows with Low-E coatings meet these requirements. We'll confirm qualifying products during your consultation.
How to Claim the Credit
Save the manufacturer's certification statement (we provide this) and your receipt. File IRS Form 5695 with your tax return. The credit is non-refundable, meaning it reduces your tax liability but won't generate a refund beyond what you owe. Consult your tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Get energy-efficient windows and doors AND tax credits. Call (331) 250-3726 for your free consultation.