(ARA) - With escalating energy costs and rising prices for home improvement projects, everyone is looking for ways to conserve and cut costs without breaking the bank on the initial investment. Adding a simple storm door may be the answer. Storm products will cut heating and cooling costs, and are an economical alternative to total replacement. Many are eligible for a new tax credit offered this year and next. Larson Manufacturing, the country's largest maker of storm doors, has had its entire storm door product line certified under the new Energy Policy Act, making it easy to find a qualified storm door.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 allows homeowners a tax credit of 10 percent of the amount paid for qualified energy efficiency improvements to their homes in 2006 and 2007, up to a total credit of $500.

In order to qualify, storm doors must meet or exceed the criteria established by the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) when installed over a prime door on the taxpayer's primary U.S. residence. All Larson storm doors, when installed over an existing door, meet the code requirements and qualify for the tax credit.

"Larson storm doors have qualified for the energy tax credit because they dramatically increase the energy efficiency of an entry," explains Bruce Thomas, product development manager at Larson Manufacturing, the leading manufacturer of storm doors and storm windows. "Adding a storm door to an existing unit will increase the energy efficiency of the opening by up to 45 percent."

According to the Department of Energy, heat loss through and around doors and windows accounts for more than 25 percent of a home's heating and cooling costs. Storm doors increase a home's energy efficiency by sealing out drafts to reduce air infiltration. They provide an added barrier to protect the prime door from the elements and create an insulating air space between the storm and prime units. This helps decrease the hot/cold transfer between the outside and inside, maximizing the efficiency/benefit of a home's heating and cooling systems.

As a home improvement project, storm doors are significantly more affordable than replacing the entire entry system. Additionally, storm doors offer other benefits, such as light, ventilation and improved appearance.

Larson storm door products are available nationwide. Larson will provide all taxpayers with a copy of a certification statement for tax purposes on their Web site, www.larsondoors.com. Qualifying improvements must be made between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007. Taxpayers should also keep their receipts.

For more information, visit www.larsondoors.com.