$1500 Tax Credit - New Garage Doors Save on Energy Costs and Keep Some Extra Green in Your Pocket

Of all the standard steel garage doors available on the market, a single layer steel door is probably the most common and will be on the more inexpensive range. Double layered steel doors incorporate a layer of polystyrene or polyurethane on the interior side of the door. This double layer will increase the R-value, or insulative ability, in order to help achieve a regular comfortable temperature in the garage. This is especially helpful for home owners living in northern regions of the U.S. such as Minnesota.

The last type of steel door construction is the triple layered garage door. In addition to having a layer of insulation, another layer of steel has been added to the interior of the door, thereby effectively sandwiching the insulation between two layers of steel. Adding this second layer of steel will again increase the R-value of the door even further and help to greatly reduce any exterior noises. This triple layer door is, of course, the most expensive type of the steel door.

The other main factor affecting price will be the style of the door and if windows are incorporated in the styling. A carriage house style will cost more than the traditional look. Adding windows will also raise the base price of a steel door and can reduce or maintain the insulative properties of the door depending upon the type of window installed.

There are two other types of construction available as well. The second type has been used for decades and almost always comes with the highest price tag. Solid wood construction provides an old world charm and richness that is hard to beat. Understandably, these doors yield a premium price due to the craftsmanship required to fabricate a door of this size and the quality of the wood itself.

The last main type of garage door takes cues from both steel construction and solid wood construction. Composite garage doors are composed of recycled wood and heavy duty resins to create a "green" solution. With composite doors, a wider variety of styles can be explored with the feel and look of solid wood.

Currently for the year 2010, energy tax credits have increased to a maximum of $1500 for home owners taking advantage of energy-efficient improvements. Many garage doors will fall under this energy-efficient label. Some door installers may unintentionally fail to inform the home owner of this benefit. Be sure to ask the company which if any doors offered meet these requirements