It’s Energy Tax Credit Tuesday - Upgrade Your Entry Door by December 31 to save Up to $500 on Your 2011 Taxes

You already know about the amazing savings that can be found on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There’s more savings to be had if you are in the market for a new entry door.

We're designating today "Energy Tax Credit Tuesday" as a reminder that you can claim up to a $500 tax credit for installing a new entry door on your primary residence by December 31, 2011. The credit applies to the product only and does not include installation.

A tax credit is more valuable than a tax deduction because you get a dollar off for every qualifying dollar spent, while a deduction only decreases the amount of income that is taxed.

The benefits to upgrading your entry door go beyond the immediate tax credit to include year-round energy savings, improved curb appeal and a solid return-on-investment at resale.

According to the findings in the Remodeling 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com), an entry door upgrade not only enhances a home's curb appeal, the project yields one of the strongest returns on investment when it comes to recouping cost.

The magazine's annual survey of the most common residential remodeling projects indicates that, on average, spending $1,218 on a steel entry door could pay for itself with a 102 percent return. A fiberglass entry door generates between a 60 to 70 percent ROI, depending on the geographic region.

A small change that makes a big impact – like an updated entry door – brings more reliable returns for two main reasons: it is among the least expensive projects in the report, and it improves curb appeal in a way that can affect a potential buyer’s first impression and, consequently, a home's resale value.

Clopay offers a variety of ENERGY STAR® rated entry doors that qualify for the tax credit, including fiberglass and steel models.

Fiberglass entry doors are an increasingly popular alternative to wood doors that typically don’t hold up to the damaging effects of weather and are not well insulated. The polyurethane foam core provides five times the insulating value of a wood door, which can lower heating and cooling costs and improve the comfort of your home year round.

Fiberglass is low-maintenance and moisture-resistant, so it won't peel, shrink, rot, warp, or crack like wood. The doors are available in wood grains like cherry, mahogany and oak, and can be painted or stained. The texture is so realistic it is difficult to tell it's not a natural material, even close-up.

Numerous decorative glass designs with complementary sidelights, transoms and hardware can be added to transform an ordinary front entrance into a stunning focal point.

Clopay's fiberglass entry door line includes four distinctive design collections:

The Arbor Grove Collection

Traditional fiberglass door styles in a choice of oak, cherry or mahogany woodgrain textures with a wide variety of decorative glass and hardware options.

The Rustic Collection

Cherry grained fiberglass doors with authentic proportions and distinctive details designed to complement Southwest, French Country and Mediterranean-inspired architectural styles. Wrought iron glass designs and decorative metal accents make this door an instant focal point.

The Craftsman Collection

With its straight fir grain and authentic architectural detailing, the Craftsman can be customized to complement Bungalow, Mission and transitional style homes.

Smooth Fiberglass Collection

A smooth surface with detailed panel embossing makes this durable, low-maintenance door look and feel like a painted wood door.

Clopay also offers polyurethane insulated steel entry doors featuring high definition embossments and a smooth surface for a long-lasting appearance.

For an overview of Clopay's complete entry door product line, visit www.clopaydoor.com/entry-door.aspx.

For a complete list of Clopay entry doors that qualify for the Energy Tax Credit, visit www.clopaydoor.com/publicfiles/43960%20clo%20entdr%20tax%20flyer%20r1_1.pdf