Are Window Treatments Eligible for Federal Energy Tax Credits? What Maine Homeowners Should Know
Blinds By Design Blog
If you’ve been shopping for energy-efficient window treatments, you’ve probably seen claims that you can “get money back on your taxes.” It’s a fair question, and the answer has changed recently. Here’s a straight look at where things stand, so you can plan your project with accurate expectations.
This article is general information, not tax advice. Please check with a qualified tax professional about your own situation.
The Short Answer
As of 2026, there is no federal tax credit available for new window treatment purchases.
The program most people are thinking of is the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (known as Section 25C). It was created to help homeowners pay for upgrades like insulation, exterior doors, heat pumps, and energy-efficient windows. But Congress ended it early through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July 2025. The credit no longer applies to improvements placed in service after December 31, 2025.
Did Blinds and Shades Ever Qualify?
Not clearly. Even while the credit was active, it focused on building components such as:
- Exterior windows and skylights that met ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria
- Exterior doors
- Insulation and air sealing materials
- Heat pumps, central air conditioners, and similar equipment
- Home energy audits
Interior window coverings like cellular shades, blinds, shutters, and draperies were not part of that list. If a company told you a particular shade would earn you a federal tax credit, it’s worth asking them to show you the specific IRS guidance. For the official rules and history, see the IRS page on the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
What If I Had Qualifying Work Done in 2025?
If you had qualifying improvements, such as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows or exterior doors, fully installed by December 31, 2025, you may still be able to claim the credit on your 2025 tax return using IRS Form 5695. Keep your receipts and any manufacturer certification statements, and ask your tax preparer whether it applies to you.
The Real Savings Are Still There
Even without a tax credit, energy-efficient window treatments can pay you back every month in comfort and lower bills. Here’s where the value comes from:
- Winter heat retention. Insulating cellular shades trap a layer of air against the glass, which reduces heat loss in a state where heating season is long.
- Summer heat control. Solar shades and light-blocking options cut heat gain through south- and west-facing windows, easing the load on fans and air conditioning.
- Closer-fitting shutters. Solid, well-fitted shutters add an insulating barrier and a classic look.
- Layered draperies. Lined draperies over shades add another buffer in drafty rooms.
- Furniture and floor protection. Blocking UV rays helps prevent fading, which saves you replacement costs down the road.
- Automation. Motorized shades can open and close on a schedule, so you capture free solar heat on winter days and block it on summer afternoons without thinking about it.
Look for Maine-Specific Programs
Federal incentives come and go, but state and utility programs are worth checking. Efficiency Maine is the best place to start for current rebates and programs for Maine homeowners. Offerings change often and are usually focused on insulation, heat pumps, and similar upgrades, so confirm what’s available before you make budget decisions.
How to Get the Most Value From Your Window Treatments
- Match the product to the room. Bedrooms and north-facing rooms benefit most from insulating and blackout options. Sunny rooms benefit from solar shades.
- Insist on a precise fit. Professional measuring keeps gaps small, and gaps are where energy savings leak away.
- Use them daily. Open on sunny winter days, close at night, and reverse the routine in summer.
- Think long term. A durable, well-made product that lasts for years costs less over time than replacing cheap blinds again and again.
Get Honest Advice From a Local Family Business
At Blinds by Design, we’d rather tell you what a product will really do than oversell it. During a free in-home consultation, we’ll bring samples to your home, measure your windows, and help you choose treatments that fit your style, your budget, and your goals for comfort and energy use.
Request a free consultation today, or call (207) 501-2800. We proudly serve Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Brunswick, Augusta, and surrounding communities. Browse our project gallery for ideas, and see what your neighbors are saying in our customer reviews.