‘On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008." This bill extended tax credits for energy efficient home improvements (windows, doors, roofs, insulation, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters). Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will now be available for improvements made during 2009. However, improvements made during 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit.'
‘The bill also extended tax credits for solar energy systems and fuel cells to 2016. New tax credits were established for small wind energy systems and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Tax credits for builders of new energy efficient homes and tax deductions for owners and designers of energy efficient commercial buildings were also extended.' From the energystar.gov website.
Okay, so what can you do for the year 2008? And how do you plan for 2009.
Well, for 2008, you can check your State's tax incentive programs at the Department of Energy's website to see if your state offers any tax incentive for home or business improvements. (http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/states/alternatives/tax_incentives.cfm)
They have a link to a database which lists each individual State's incentives. If the link on that page doesn't work for you, (as it didn't for me) you can get there by clicking on this one: http://www.dsireusa.org/
Also, check the manufacturer's website for a rebate offer. I'm afraid there is not much more you can do than this.
For 2009, however, you can prepare now. Go to the Energy Star website and print out their chart for Federal Tax credits for Consumers, Home Builders and for Commercial Buildings. This will help you in determining which products to buy for the best value.
Lots of great information here. For example, did you know that there is a tax credit for builders of Manufactured Homes if they are built to increase energy efficiency of the heating and cooling system by 30%? Or that there is a tax credit available for purchasing a Biomass Stove (stove which burns biomass fuel to heat a home or heat water)?
Obviously, this isn't a complete offering for what might be out there, but it's a place to start.
I wish you all smart planning for a renewable New Year!
Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker®
603-455-2224 www.fransanderson.com
