Utah Window & Door Rebates and Tax Credits: Your 2026 Savings Guide

Replacing windows is one of the smartest home improvements you can make in Utah, but it is also one of the most expensive. A typical whole-home project runs $5,000 to $15,000 depending on materials and scope. The good news is that 2026 offers Utah homeowners more ways to offset that cost than almost any year in recent memory.

Between federal tax credits, utility company rebates, and manufacturer promotions, you can realistically recoup $1,300 to $2,100 or more on a standard window replacement project. This guide walks you through every available incentive, explains exactly how to qualify, and provides a calculator so you can estimate your personal savings before signing a contract.

Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit

The biggest single incentive available to Utah homeowners is the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, established by the Inflation Reduction Act and available through at least 2032. This is not a deduction. It is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit that directly reduces what you owe the IRS.

How the Credit Works

The credit covers 30% of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient windows and skylights, up to a maximum of $600 per tax year. That $600 cap is specifically for windows and skylights. The broader Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit also covers doors (up to $250 per door, $500 total) and other improvements, with an overall annual cap of $3,200 across all categories.

Here is what matters for your window project:

• Credit amount: 30% of the cost of qualifying windows, including installation
• Annual cap: $600 for windows and skylights
• Door credit: Up to $250 per qualifying exterior door, $500 total for doors
• Overall cap: $3,200 per year across all energy improvement categories
• Eligibility period: Available for installations completed through December 31, 2032
• Residence requirement: Must be your primary residence (not rentals or second homes)
• New construction exclusion: Credit applies to replacement windows only, not windows in newly built homes

What "Qualifying" Means in Utah

Your windows must be Energy Star certified for your climate zone. Utah falls in Climate Zone 5 (the northern tier is actually Zone 6, but most of the population lives in Zone 5). The requirements for Climate Zone 5 certification are:

• U-factor: 0.25 or lower
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): 0.40 or lower

Most modern vinyl and fiberglass windows from major manufacturers meet these thresholds easily. However, not all budget windows qualify, and basic builder-grade options sometimes fall short. Always verify the Energy Star certification before purchasing. For a deeper dive into what these ratings mean and which window configurations meet them, see our Energy Star requirements guide.

The Two-Year Strategy

Because the $600 cap resets each tax year, homeowners with large projects can strategically split their installation across two calendar years. If you are replacing 15 to 20 windows at a total cost of $8,000 to $12,000, scheduling half the installation in December and half in January could net you $1,200 in total federal tax credits instead of $600.

This requires some coordination with your contractor, but many Utah installers are familiar with this strategy and can accommodate a split schedule. Just make sure each year's installation is completed and paid for within that calendar year.

For a complete walkthrough of the federal credit, including step-by-step filing instructions, read our detailed federal tax credit guide.

Utah Utility Rebates

Beyond the federal tax credit, Utah's major utility companies offer their own rebate programs for energy-efficient windows. These rebates are separate from the tax credit and can be stacked on top of it.

Rocky Mountain Power Window Rebates

Rocky Mountain Power, which serves approximately 80% of Utah electricity customers, offers rebates for high-performance windows through their Wattsmart program. The rebate is structured by performance tier:

• $3.00 per square foot for windows with a U-factor at or below 0.22
• $2.00 per square foot for windows with a U-factor between 0.23 and 0.25
• Rebates apply to the total glass area of windows installed

For a typical 3-foot by 5-foot window (15 square feet of glass area), that translates to $30 to $45 per window at the higher tier. On a 10-window project, you could receive $300 to $450 in utility rebates on top of your federal tax credit.

Important details about the Rocky Mountain Power rebate:

• You must be a current Rocky Mountain Power residential customer
• The rebate is for existing homes only, not new construction
• Windows must be purchased and installed by a licensed contractor
• Applications must be submitted within 90 days of installation
• Rebate amounts are subject to change and funding availability

We cover the full Rocky Mountain Power application process in our dedicated rebate guide.

Dominion Energy Rebates

If Dominion Energy supplies your natural gas (as it does for most of the Wasatch Front), they occasionally offer rebates for improvements that reduce heating demand, including window upgrades. Their programs change more frequently than Rocky Mountain Power's, so check their current offerings before starting your project. Historically, Dominion has offered $1 to $2 per square foot for qualifying window installations, though availability varies by year and budget.

Municipal Utility Programs

Some Utah municipalities with their own power companies (such as Provo, Murray, and St. George) run separate rebate programs. These can sometimes be more generous than Rocky Mountain Power's offerings. Contact your local utility directly to ask about current window and door incentive programs.

Manufacturer and Contractor Promotions

The third layer of savings comes from the private sector. Window manufacturers and local contractors frequently run promotions that can be stacked with government incentives.

Manufacturer Rebates

Major window manufacturers including Andersen, Pella, Marvin, and Milgard periodically offer rebates or promotional pricing, typically in the range of $10 to $30 per window. These promotions are most common in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), timed to coincide with peak remodeling seasons. Some manufacturers also offer rebates specifically tied to Energy Star products.

Contractor Incentives

Many Utah window contractors offer their own seasonal promotions:

• Off-season discounts: 5% to 15% off during the slower winter months (December through February)
• Volume pricing: 10% to 20% discount on whole-home projects of 10 or more windows
• Financing promotions: 0% interest for 12 to 24 months through contractor-arranged financing
• Show-home discounts: Some contractors offer reduced pricing if you agree to let them photograph your completed project or serve as a reference

These private-sector incentives stack freely with both federal tax credits and utility rebates, since they come from entirely different sources.

How to Stack Rebates for Maximum Savings

The most powerful aspect of the 2026 incentive landscape is that all three categories of savings can be combined. Here is how a real Utah homeowner might stack incentives on a 12-window vinyl replacement project:

Example: Whole-Home Window Replacement

Incentive	Calculation	Savings
Federal tax credit	30% of $6,000 project cost	$600 (cap)
Rocky Mountain Power rebate	12 windows x 15 sqft x $3/sqft	$540
Manufacturer rebate	12 windows x $20/window	$240
Contractor winter discount	8% off $6,000	$480
Total savings		$1,860

In this scenario, the homeowner's effective cost drops from $6,000 to $4,140, a 31% reduction. And if the project spans two tax years using the split strategy, the federal credit alone jumps to $1,200, pushing total savings above $2,400.

For a detailed walkthrough of stacking strategies, see our complete guide to combining window incentives.

Qualifying Products and Specifications

Not every window qualifies for every incentive. Here is a quick reference for what you need to meet each program's requirements:

Energy Star Certification (Required for Federal Credit)

For Utah Climate Zone 5, windows must meet:

• U-factor: 0.25 or lower (measures heat transfer; lower is better)
• SHGC: 0.40 or lower (measures solar heat gain; lower means less summer heat)
• Air leakage: 0.30 cfm/ft or lower (measures drafts)

These specifications are printed on the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label attached to every new window. Do not remove these labels until you have filed your tax credit, since they serve as proof of qualification.

Rocky Mountain Power Higher Tier (Best Rebate Rate)

To qualify for the full $3 per square foot rebate:

• U-factor: 0.22 or lower

This is more stringent than the Energy Star minimum. Most standard double-pane vinyl windows achieve U-factors between 0.25 and 0.28, which qualifies for Energy Star but only the lower utility rebate tier. To hit 0.22, you generally need:

• Triple-pane glass, or
• Double-pane with upgraded Low-E coatings and krypton gas fill, or
• Premium fiberglass frames with thermal breaks

Our energy-efficient windows guide covers these specifications in detail and recommends specific configurations for Utah homes.

What About Doors?

Exterior doors also qualify for both federal tax credits and some utility rebates:

• Federal credit: Up to $250 per qualifying exterior door, $500 maximum for all doors
• Requirements: Must be Energy Star certified for your climate zone
• Stacking: Door credits are separate from the $600 window cap, so replacing windows AND doors in the same year can yield up to $1,100 in federal credits alone

How to Claim Your Tax Credit

The federal window tax credit is claimed when you file your annual tax return. Here is the process:

Step-by-Step

1. Purchase and install Energy Star certified windows in your primary residence
2. Collect documentation: Keep all receipts, the manufacturer's Energy Star certification statement, and NFRC labels
3. Complete IRS Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits), Part II
4. Enter the total cost of qualifying windows (materials plus installation labor)
5. Calculate your credit: 30% of the total cost, up to the $600 annual maximum for windows
6. Transfer the credit amount to Form 1040, Schedule 3, Line 5
7. File with your return and keep documentation for at least three years

Important Tax Credit Details

• Nonrefundable: The credit can reduce your tax liability to zero, but it will not generate a refund beyond what you already owe. If your tax liability for the year is less than $600, you only receive credit up to your liability amount.
• No carryover: Unlike some energy credits, this one cannot be carried forward to future tax years. Plan accordingly.
• Installation date matters: The credit year is determined by when the installation is completed, not when you pay or sign the contract.

For complete filing instructions with screenshots, see our federal tax credit how-to guide.

Rebate Application Process

Utility rebates require a separate application process from the tax credit. Here is a general overview:

Rocky Mountain Power Process

1. Verify eligibility on the Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart website before starting your project
2. Choose qualifying windows meeting the program's U-factor requirements
3. Complete installation using a licensed contractor
4. Gather documentation: Contractor invoice, window specifications (NFRC labels or spec sheets showing U-factor), proof of Rocky Mountain Power account
5. Submit application through the Wattsmart online portal or by mail within 90 days of installation
6. Receive rebate typically within 4 to 8 weeks as a check or bill credit

Pro Tips for Smooth Applications

• Pre-qualify: Some utility programs let you submit a pre-application before starting work. This locks in your rebate and confirms your project qualifies.
• Use the right paperwork: Utility companies want NFRC ratings from the window spec sheet or label, not just the Energy Star sticker. Make sure your contractor provides complete window specifications.
• Track deadlines: The 90-day application window is strict. Set a calendar reminder on installation day.
• Photograph everything: Take photos of NFRC labels, installed windows, and old windows being removed. This speeds up the application review.

Estimate Your Total Savings

Use this calculator to estimate the combined rebates and tax credits available for your window replacement project. Adjust the inputs to match your specific situation.

Keep in mind that the calculator provides estimates based on typical scenarios. Your actual savings will depend on specific window sizes, your utility provider, and current program availability. Always verify current rebate amounts directly with your utility company before making purchasing decisions.

Common Mistakes That Cost You Money

After helping Utah homeowners navigate the rebate landscape, we see the same costly errors repeatedly. Avoid these to keep more money in your pocket.

Mistake 1: Buying Non-Qualifying Windows

Not all "energy-efficient" windows meet Energy Star certification requirements. Some budget windows marketed as energy efficient have U-factors of 0.28 or 0.30, which disqualifies them from the federal credit in Climate Zone 5. Always confirm the NFRC label shows a U-factor of 0.25 or lower before purchasing.

Mistake 2: Missing the Utility Rebate Deadline

Rocky Mountain Power requires rebate applications within 90 days of installation. We have heard from homeowners who lost $500 or more in rebates simply because they forgot to submit paperwork on time. Mark the deadline on your calendar the day your installation is complete.

Mistake 3: Not Keeping Documentation

The IRS requires the manufacturer's Energy Star certification statement (not just the window sticker) to support your tax credit claim. If audited, you need receipts, the certification statement, and ideally photos of the NFRC labels. Ask your contractor to provide a complete documentation package at project completion.

Mistake 4: Claiming the Credit on a Rental Property

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit applies only to your primary residence. If you own rental properties and are replacing windows there, you cannot claim this credit. Rental property window replacements may qualify for depreciation deductions instead, but that is a different tax strategy.

Mistake 5: Ignoring the Two-Year Split

If your project costs more than $2,000 (where 30% would exceed the $600 cap), you are leaving money on the table by completing everything in one calendar year. Talk to your contractor about splitting the installation across December and January to access two years of credits.

Mistake 6: Forgetting About Doors

If you are already replacing windows, consider replacing your entry door or patio door at the same time. Doors have a separate $250/$500 credit cap on top of the $600 window cap, and they qualify for utility rebates too. A combined window-and-door project maximizes your incentive capture.

Planning Your Rebate-Optimized Window Project

To get the most from every available incentive, follow this timeline:

6 to 8 Weeks Before Installation

• Research current utility rebate programs and confirm eligibility
• Get quotes from 2 to 3 licensed contractors, specifying Energy Star certified windows with U-factor 0.22 or lower
• Ask contractors about manufacturer promotions and volume discounts
• Verify your tax situation to ensure you can use the full credit (your tax liability must be at least $600)

2 to 4 Weeks Before Installation

• Select your windows, confirming Energy Star certification and NFRC ratings
• Submit any pre-qualification applications to your utility company
• Decide whether a two-year split strategy makes financial sense for your project
• Set up project financing if needed

Installation Day

• Photograph all NFRC labels before they are covered or removed
• Photograph old windows being removed (some rebate programs ask for this)
• Confirm the contractor will provide a detailed invoice showing window model numbers, quantities, and costs

Within 1 Week After Installation

• Submit your utility rebate application with all required documentation
• File away receipts, the manufacturer's Energy Star certification statement, and NFRC documentation
• If using the two-year strategy, confirm the split date with your contractor for the remaining windows

At Tax Time

• Complete IRS Form 5695 with your window costs
• Attach to your return (or provide to your tax preparer)
• Keep all documentation for at least three years in case of audit

Understanding the full cost picture helps you plan a project that maximizes incentive capture. And if you are focused on getting the most energy-efficient windows possible to qualify for the highest rebate tiers, our energy performance guide will help you choose the right specifications.

The Bottom Line for Utah Homeowners

The 2026 incentive landscape for window replacement in Utah is genuinely favorable. Between the federal tax credit ($600 per year), Rocky Mountain Power rebates ($300 to $500+ on a typical project), and manufacturer or contractor promotions, you can realistically offset 20% to 35% of your total project cost.

The key is planning ahead. Choose windows that meet the highest performance thresholds, keep meticulous documentation, and time your project to maximize credit capture. Whether you are dealing with drafty 1990s windows or planning a cost-effective whole-home upgrade, the money is there for homeowners who know how to claim it.

Start with the calculator above to estimate your personal savings, then explore our supporting guides for detailed walkthroughs of each incentive program.