Written by Big Easy Windows
This article is general information, not tax or financial advice. Tax rules and utility programs change, and eligibility depends on your situation. Confirm details with the program itself and a qualified tax preparer before you rely on any credit or rebate.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS says the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covers qualifying improvements made through December 31, 2025. Windows Louisiana homeowners install in 2026 fall outside that window.
- If you installed qualifying windows in 2025, the credit is claimed for the tax year the property was installed. Talk to a tax preparer about your 2025 return.
- Utility programs set their own measure lists. Cleco’s 2026 residential program manual doesn’t list windows among its eligible measures, so check any program’s current list before you buy.
- Louisiana’s Fortify Homes grant is a roof program, not a window rebate.
- Big Easy Windows can walk you through the energy ratings on any window we quote. Call (504) 384-8165.
Are There Window Rebates in Louisiana in 2026?
Quick Answer: The programs we could verify don’t include a generally available window rebate in Louisiana for 2026. The federal tax credit for energy-efficient windows applied to improvements made through the end of 2025, according to the IRS. What’s left depends mostly on your electric utility and on any state programs that are open when you buy, and each of those sets its own list of eligible measures. Before you choose windows based on an incentive, check the program’s current list, and confirm in writing that the program is open and that windows are on it.
This guide covers the federal credit and the utility programs on both sides of the lake, then what to confirm before you sign a contract.
Is the Federal Window Tax Credit Still Available in 2026?
The IRS page for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, last updated April 28, 2026, says you can claim the credit for improvements made through December 31, 2025. Windows installed in 2026 aren’t covered by that timeframe.
For windows that were installed during the credit period, the IRS page lists the rules that applied:
- Exterior windows and skylights had to meet ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certification requirements.
- The credit for windows and skylights was limited to $600 total for the year.
- Labor costs for installing building envelope components, such as windows, don’t qualify.
- The credit is claimed on Form 5695 for the tax year when the property is installed, not merely purchased.
The IRS page adds a rule for 2025: for each item of qualifying property placed in service that year, no credit is allowed unless the item was produced by a qualified manufacturer and the taxpayer reports that manufacturer’s identification number on the return. If your windows went in during 2025, keep your invoice and product documentation together and ask a tax preparer how the rules apply to you.
What About Utility Programs in Orleans and Jefferson Parish?
Entergy New Orleans
Entergy New Orleans runs its energy efficiency program under the Energy Smart name. Program offerings can change, so check the current Energy Smart residential page or call the program before you assume a window measure is included.
Entergy Louisiana
If Entergy Louisiana is your electric company, its residential efficiency page describes programs ranging from no-cost energy-saving products to rebates and upgrades, including rebates on qualifying ENERGY STAR appliances and other high-efficiency products. Look for windows by name on the current program list. If you don’t see them, ask before you buy.
What About the Northshore?
St. Tammany Parish homes can be served by different electric providers, so start by checking your bill.
Cleco. Cleco’s 2026 Residential Solutions energy efficiency program manual, revised in May 2026, lists eligible envelope measures including ceiling insulation, air infiltration work, and duct sealing, plus equipment rebates such as ENERGY STAR smart thermostats and heat pump water heaters. Windows don’t appear on that eligible measure list. Cleco also states that it has final authority to decide whether a particular measure is eligible, so confirm with Cleco directly.
Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative. The co-op serves parts of St. Tammany Parish and neighboring parishes. Ask the co-op directly whether it offers any member incentives that apply to windows.
Are There State Programs for Windows?
For state programs, check the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources’ Home Energy Rebates information for current program status and eligible measures before you plan a purchase around them. Don’t assume windows qualify until the program’s own materials say so.
For any state tax credit, ask a qualified tax preparer. Don’t rely on a sales pitch or an old article.
What About the Fortify Homes Program?
Louisiana’s Fortify Homes Program is a grant for bringing a roof up to the FORTIFIED Roof standard. It isn’t a window rebate. Windows come into play at higher FORTIFIED designations, which our post on the Fortify Homes Program and your windows explains.
Impact-rated windows can also affect insurance premiums, a separate question from rebates. Our post on whether impact windows lower home insurance in Louisiana covers what to ask your agent.
What Should You Confirm Before You Buy?
If an incentive is part of your decision, get these answers first:
- Is the program open now? Get the program name and program year in writing.
- Are windows an eligible measure? Ask for the specific performance requirements a window must meet.
- Is approval required before purchase? Ask whether anything has to happen before work starts.
- What proof is needed? Keep the invoice and the product label information.
Treat any incentive figure quoted in a sales conversation as unconfirmed until the program or your tax preparer confirms it.
Do Energy-Efficient Windows Still Make Sense Without a Credit?
They can, for reasons unrelated to incentives. Windows affect comfort and cooling costs in a hot, humid New Orleans summer, and the performance label lets you compare units on facts. Our post on how to read a window energy label in New Orleans explains U-factor and solar heat gain, and our guide to energy-efficient windows and summer cooling bills covers the comfort side.
Frame choice matters too. Vinyl windows don’t need painting, and Soft-Lite windows are one of the lines we install. Our post on Soft-Lite windows in New Orleans covers that line in more detail.
If you’re replacing original windows in an older house, our guide to replacing original windows in a Metairie ranch house covers the planning questions, and our window replacement cost guide covers budgeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim a federal tax credit for windows installed in 2026?
The IRS says the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covers improvements made through December 31, 2025. Ask a qualified tax preparer about your specific situation.
Does Entergy give rebates for new windows?
Program measures are set by each Entergy company and program year. Check the current residential program list for your utility, or call the program, before you buy.
Does the Fortify Homes grant pay for windows?
The program is built around bringing a roof to the FORTIFIED Roof standard. Confirm current program terms with the Louisiana Department of Insurance.
What paperwork should I keep after a window installation?
Keep the invoice, the product and performance documentation, and any permit records. They’re useful for tax questions and for a future sale.
Compare Window Options on the Facts
We’ll show you the performance ratings for every window we quote, so you can compare options whether or not an incentive applies. Explore whole-home window replacement, request an estimate online, or call (504) 384-8165.
