~ Best part is my new Duette Shades from Hunter Douglas Only Window Shades to Qualify Without Add-on Insulation Systems ~

PEARL RIVER, N.Y., Feb. 27, 2013 – On January 2, 2013, President Obama signed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which reinstated for 2012-2013 the Federal Tax Credit of up to $500 on select energy-efficient products. Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades from leading window covering manufacturer Hunter Douglas are among those products, and with the exciting array of fabrics, colors and textures offered, one of the most beautiful. They are the only window shades without add-on insulation systems to qualify for the credit.

Duette Architella shades feature a patented design that creates more air pockets than traditional honeycomb shades. It can also substantially reduce energy transfer at the window. Thereby helping to save on utility costs. Opaque Duette Architella shades can reduce heat loss. That’s through windows by up to 40 percent in winter. Also and reduce solar heat gain through windows by up to 80 percent in summer.

“Almost five percent of all energy consumed in the U.S. passes through the windows of residential homes,” said Marv Hopkins, Hunter Douglas President and CEO.

“We specifically designed and developed the award-winning, design-forward Duette Architella shade. That’s our most energy-efficient product. In addition to the fastest-growing innovation in the extremely popular cellular category. All to significantly reduce energy loss at the window.

This also takes the air-trapping cellular structure of our original Duette honeycomb shade. It also makes it even more energy-efficient. Thats by placing a second cell within the original one.”

The Federal Tax Credit opportunity is largely the same as in 2011.  All when consumers were eligible for a credit of 10 percent of the cost of qualifying Duette Architella shades. I mean up to a maximum of $500. That’s provided the expense meets the tax guidelines. The shades must be purchased and installed between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013.

Anyone who received a rebate of $500 or more from the similar tax credit that was in effect during 2010 and 2011. It is not eligible for the credit for 2012-2013. For anyone who received a credit of less than $500 during these prior years. All that amount will be deducted from the $500 credit. That’s for the 2012-2013 years.

The 2012-2013 tax credit is subject to a lifetime limitation of $500. Homeowners should consult with their tax advisors to determine eligibility.

All energy-efficient products that qualify for this Federal Tax Credit must be for existing homes.

That’s not new construction, and must be considered the consumer’s principal residence.

Certain Duette Architella shades that are mounted completely inside the window frame over double-glazed windows may qualify. Homeowners should check the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement available at hunterdouglas.com/taxcredit for a list of qualifying Architella fabrics. Also and lifting systems and restrictions and also consult their tax advisor to determine whether they are eligible for the tax credit. They will need to keep a copy of their receipt and the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement for their records.

Like most Hunter Douglas product offerings, Duette Architella shades have passed rigorous standards. Also test procedures are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®! Also GREENGUARD for Children & SchoolsSM Certified. In addition to certain fabric styles also contain recycled materials.

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).  In addition to being a ENERGY STAR® Partner as well. With production facilities throughout the U.S., Hunter Douglas has instituted a rigorous plan. All to implement new programs and processes to continuously reduce its overall carbon emissions.

Related philanthropic outreach includes financial support of the Arbor Day Foundation. That’s in its efforts to replant trees lost to fires. Also and to preserve rapidly diminishing rainforest lands.

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

Source: Hunter Douglas Inc., www.hunterdouglas.com.

Homeowners should check the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement available at hunterdouglas.com/taxcredit for a list of qualifying Architella’s