The federal 25C tax credit for energy efficient exterior doors expired on December 31, 2025. It no longer applies to doors installed in 2026.
The federal 25C tax credit for energy efficient exterior doors expired on December 31, 2025. It no longer applies to doors installed in 2026.
If your qualifying exterior door was installed in 2025, you can still claim 30% of the cost, up to $250 per door and a maximum of $500 for doors per year, on your 2025 tax return.
What Homeowners Need to Know About Door Tax Credits and Energy Savings
- Federal credit is expired: The 25C tax credit for exterior doors ended December 31, 2025. Work done in 2026 does not qualify for any federal door tax credit.
- 2025 filers: act now: Doors installed by December 31, 2025 that met ENERGY STAR Most Efficient criteria were eligible for 30% of cost, up to $250 per door.
- Annual cap applies: The maximum credit for doors in a single tax year was $500. That covered up to two qualifying doors if each reached the $250 per-door cap.
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient required: Not every ENERGY STAR-labeled door qualified. The door had to earn the stricter ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation to be eligible.
- File with IRS Form 5695: Use IRS Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, to claim your 2025 door credit. Your contractor can provide product documentation and the QMID needed to file.
- Long-term energy savings continue: ENERGY STAR certified doors still reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 13% compared to non-certified products. That benefit does not expire.
Comparing Exterior Door Options and Their Value
| Door Type | Avg. National Cost | ROI | ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Possible? | Best For |
| Steel Entry Door | $2,500 | 236% | Yes, select models | Budget-conscious buyers, durability |
| Grand Fiberglass Entry Door | $12,000+ | Strong resale value | Yes, select models | Curb appeal, premium performance |
How to Maximize Energy Savings with Entry Doors
Top Recommendation: Steel entry doors for New England homeowners who want strong ROI and durability. Select models qualify for ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certification. Contact Coastal Windows & Exteriors for your free estimate!
Best for 2025 Filers: Gather your QMID from your contractor and file IRS Form 5695 before your tax deadline. Consult a tax professional to confirm eligibility.
Best for Long-Term Value: Any ENERGY STAR certified exterior door delivers up to 13% savings on heating and cooling. That payback compounds over the life of the door.
Request a free door estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Browse our complete door FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Explore our door Exterior Remodeling Home Improvement Help Center.
Last Updated: April 2026
Sources:
- ENERGY STAR certified exterior doors can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 13% compared to non-certified products. ENERGY STAR Windows, Doors & Skylights, ENERGY STAR’s official product page on energy savings for certified windows, doors, and skylights. (Accessed April 2026)
- A steel entry door averages $2,547 installed in New England. JLC Online 2025 Cost vs. Value Report — New England, JLC Online’s regional cost and resale value data for common remodeling projects in New England. (2026)
- A grand fiberglass entry door costs an estimated $11,953 in New England. JLC Online 2025 Cost vs. Value Report — New England, JLC Online’s regional breakdown of installation costs and return on investment for exterior door upgrades. (2026)
- Steel entry doors deliver a return on investment of 216%. JLC Online 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, JLC Online’s national cost-versus-value data on resale returns for steel entry door replacements. (2026)
- Grand fiberglass entry doors yield an 85% return on investment. JLC Online 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, JLC Online’s national data on resale value for grand fiberglass entry door installations. (2026)
