1. Upgraded Windows and Doors
One of the most problematic sources of energy inefficiency in homes is outdated windows and doors that allow heat to escape. By upgrading to energy smart windows, skylights and doors you can increase your overall efficiency and watch your bills decline.
TAX CREDIT: 30% of cost up to $1,500.
DISCLAIMER: Credit does not include installation costs.
2. Upgraded Water Heaters
Accounting for nearly a quarter of your home’s energy consumption, inefficient water heaters can and will inflate your bills. Upgrading to a gas, oil or propane unit will benefit you in the long-run and at tax time.
TAX CREDIT: 30% of cost up to $1,500.
DISCLAIMER: Credit includes installation costs.
3. Upgraded Insulation
Proper insulation is your first line of defense between your home and your heat loss. As long as it meets International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Standards for 2009, Uncle Sam is encouraging an insulation upgrade.
TAX CREDIT: 30% of cost up to $1,500.
DISCLAIMER: Credit does not include installation costs.
4. Solar Panels
Solar panels are an amazing way to turn the sun’s energy into compatible electricity for your home. If you’re looking to convert to solar energy and can meet all applicable fire and electrical codes, the incentive is there.
TAX CREDIT: 30% of cost with no ceiling limit.
DISCLAIMER: The system must provide energy for the residence and tax credit includes installation costs.
5. Solar Powered Water Heaters
With the exception of swimming pools and hot tubs, the government is offering a tax credit for solar powered water heaters as long as at least half of the energy generated at the residence comes from the sun.
TAX CREDIT: 30% of cost with no ceiling limit.
DISCLAIMER: Credit includes installation costs.
6. Energy Star Roofs
Energy star roofs are special metal and asphalt surfaces that reflect the sun’s intense rays and therefore keeps the surface temperature to a minimum. This diversion of energy allows for less heat to be transferred into your home and therefore promotes more efficient practices.
TAX CREDIT: Tax Credit: 30% of cost up to $1,500.
DISCLAIMER: Credit does not include installation costs.
7. Residential Wind Turbines
Using the wind’s natural kinetic energy, these personal windmills convert the power into usable electricity for your home. Though the system may take a small investment to get started, the government will make it worth your while upon tax season.
TAX CREDIT: 30% of cost with no ceiling limit.
DISCLAIMER: Credit includes installation costs.
8. BioMass Stove
It sounds complicated but biomass fuels are simply naturally occurring elements such as wood, compost, grass and many other staples. If you chose to use biomass stoves to heat your home and your water, the benefits are both environmental and financial.
TAX CREDIT: 30% of cost up to $1,500.
DISCLAIMER: Credit includes installation costs.
9. Natural Gas or Propane Furnace
Much like the natural gas water heaters, Uncle Sam is offering incentive for the conversion of your furnace as well. Heating your home is a large annual expense when done inefficiently and the government aims to promote improved practices.
TAX CREDIT: 30% of cost up to $1,500.
DISCLAIMER: Credit includes installation costs.
10 . Geothermal Heat Pumps
Aside from using the earth’s natural heat as the driving agent, geothermal heat pumps perform all of the same tasks as the standard. The benefit, however, is a more efficient method of heating your home, proving air conditioning, heating your water and reaping tax rewards.
TAX CREDIT: 30% of cost with no ceiling limit.
DISCLAIMER: Credit includes installation costs.
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Not a bad list of improvements you can make to your home if you’re interested in energy efficiency. It is applicable to the U.S. What would have really improved this blog post is a more detailed discussion of each option.
Hi there, Wonderful article not to mention post! I’m interested in design and style and specifically the style and design in the not to distant future. Will you be publishing any specific articles on potential future creative concepts and design and style? We all generally look forward with just about every decade and then decide to copy design ideas from the previous years much like the 50′s and also 1970′s before moving forward to somewhat of a innovative styling. European countries and also the United states seem to replicate the design of yesteryear, to get financial benefit prior to trying to find much more cutting edge styles for the future. Your thoughts if possible.Regards Sara
The tax credits that you list here are these annual or if I split a job up and spread it out over a couple of years (I have a two-story house and want to change out all the windows) can I essentially double the amount of tax credits I receive?
All of the remodeling contractors I’ve spoken to are quoting me prices over $1500 so I’m hoping to spread the project out over two years to save myself some cash.
And finally do you have any idea what type of energy savings one might experience in a 1500 square foot home by switching to some of the newer energy efficient windows?
Hey Brent. My advice would be to see about getting an energy efficiency audit to find out more about how much you’re likely to save. And as for the rest, I’d consult your local tax accountant to see what the restrictions are in your area.
Thanks for comments!
Great list of improvements. For someone who has an extra bit of money to put into their home these are great ideas. Improve your home, lower your energy bills, and get back some of your tax money.
solar panels is a great idea for any home improvement. Save a good chunk of change on the light bill.
Good resource on how to fix up your home and get uncle sam to pay some of the expense. For other home repairs or investment property repairs go to: home or investment property repairs!