Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. Below you will find an overview of the federal tax credits for energy efficiency.

Please note, not all ENERGY STAR qualified products qualify for a tax credit. ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, without a tax credit.

What is included in the Tax Credit?
Tax Credit: 10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50 - $300 
Expires: December 31, 2011 
Details: Must be an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals do not qualify.

• Biomass Stoves
• Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Insulation
  • Adding adequate insulation is one of the most cost-effective home improvements that you can do.
       - Requirements Typical bulk insulation products can qualify, such as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers, rigid boards, expanding spray, and                    pour-in-place.
       - Products that air seal (reduce air leaks) can also qualify, as long as they come with a Manufacturers Certification Statement, including:
    
    • Weather stripping
    • Spray foam in a can, designed to air seal
    • Caulk designed to air seal
    • House wrap
    Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.
    
    
• Roofs (Metal & Asphalt)
  • Qualified roof products reflect more of the sun's rays, which can lower roof surface temperature by up to 100F, decreasing the amount of heat transferred into your home.
      - Tax Credit Amount: 10% of the cost, up to $500 Requirements "Metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings" and "asphalt  roofs with appropriate cooling granules" that also meet ENERGY STAR requirements.
    - Tax Credit does NOT include installation costs.
    
    
• Water Heaters (non-solar)
  • Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater Water heating can account for 14%–25% of the energy consumed in your home.
    - Tax Credit Amount: $300 Requirements Energy Factor ≥ 0.82 OR a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.
    See definitions.
    More Information
    • How to apply
  • Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Water heating can account for 14%–25% of the energy consumed in your home.
    Requirements Energy Factor ≥ 2.0
    Tax Credit includes installation costs.
    More Information
    • How to apply
    • Water Heaters FAQ
• Windows & Doors

                    Tax Credit Amount: 10% of the cost, up to $500, but windows are capped at $200. Requirements Tax Credit does NOT include installation                     costs.

How do I protect my home against ice dams? Ice dams are formed when heat from the inside of a home escapes into the attic and warms the roof decking during the winter. This heat, combined with heat from the sun, can melt snow on the roof. Melting snow then runs down toward the eaves as water. When it reaches the cold eaves and gutters it refreezes. This continual thaw and re-freeze process creates ice dams. The result is water backing up under the roof shingles where it can soak through the roof decking or wall sheathing, causing damage to attics, ceilings and walls.

There are three ways to defend against the damage ice dams cause: attic insulation, attic ventilation system, and water-proofing shingle underlayment. All three work together.  Ask us how we can help.

How do I know if it is time to replace my roof? Research indicates that the aging process for a roof begins soon after the shingles are installed and progresses rapidly during the initial curing phase of its life cycle. During this stage, granule loss may occur, small blisters may develop, or the shingles may curl slightly at their edges. You may even notice that this curling is more pronounced during cold weather and the shingles may lay flat as temperatures rise. The good news, however, is that after this curing stage the shingles enter a long period of slow aging, which lasts for the major portion of the shingle's natural life.

Exterior:
   Roof - check for leaking, curling shingles, granule loss, loose flashing's, and missing shingles.
  Siding- check for exposed wood, peeling paint, missing siding, damaged siding, and foundation cracks.
   Eave troughs - check for leaking, clogs in water flow, loose or missing gutter guards, and damaged eaves & down                spouts.
   Doors & Windows- check for failed weatherstripping, drafts, improper operating hardware, fogged glass, damaged            screens, or any other damaged components.
Interior:
   Kitchen & Bathrooms - check for leaking plumbing, dripping water fixtures, proper  & functioning GFCI receptacles,        and proper functioning appliances.
                                                                 Heating & cooling systems - change filters per manufacturer's recommendations, check that the humidifier, if                                                                                  applicable, is properly functioning (change filter as required), and check for gas and freon leaks.
                                                                 Inspect - light fixtures, receptacles (outlets), flooring-tripping-hazards, stairway handrails, and functioning carbon                                                                      monoxide & smoke detectors.  We recommend basement radon testing, especially if there is active living space.