| With the current government administration and more | | | | summer. |
| attention being focused on energy conservation, there | | | | The homeowner should be aware that just because a |
| are a variety of tax credits available for 2009 and | | | | product states it is an energy star appliance or product |
| 2010. Surprisingly, not every tax credit is for upgrading | | | | does not mean it will qualify for the established tax |
| and installing newer expensive home appliances such | | | | credits. Most kitchen appliances will not qualify, |
| as a residential air conditioner or heat pump. The | | | | whereas some types of roofing can yield a good tax |
| amount of the credit given varies depending on the | | | | credit for the 2009 or 2010 tax years. |
| cost of the item being installed. Generally, the tax credit | | | | Other home energy improvements are photovoltaic |
| applied is 30%. There are currently a plethora of items | | | | systems, or solar panels and wind turbines. One key |
| eligible for these tax breaks. | | | | requirement to receiving a tax break with these home |
| Installing a newer and more efficient HVAC system | | | | improvements is that at least half of the home's |
| can be eligible all or in part. One component of the | | | | energy consumption must come from use of solar |
| HVAC system may qualify while another component | | | | energy. There is one caveat. Heating a pool or hot tub |
| of the same system may not. Almost every HVAC | | | | with solar energy is not allowed to be factored into the |
| service company should have detailed additional | | | | 50% or more energy consumption. Wind turbines, |
| information regarding the tax advantages. | | | | resembling small windmills, convert wind energy into |
| Another product area which is eligible for tax breaks | | | | electricity. |
| and incentives are doors, windows, and insulation. | | | | While green energy sources can be a sizeable |
| Faulty seals around door and window edges are a | | | | investment, the monthly savings and benefits will pay |
| major cause of heat loss or infiltration. Replacing | | | | for itself in a relatively short time. Depending upon the |
| existing doors or windows can lower a homeowner's | | | | location of the home, many areas may or may not |
| monthly utility bill expenses while still qualifying for a tax | | | | permit the installation and use of solar panels or wind |
| credit. Beefing up the attic insulation or crawl space | | | | turbines due to not fitting within the architectural style |
| with a radiant barrier can dramatically reduce the | | | | of the neighborhood. Slowly this excuse is being |
| heating and cooling bill by preventing much of the | | | | pushed aside in favor of greater efficient use of green |
| warm air during winter from escaping or cool air in the | | | | energy. |