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* Pull the shades. By using curtains or blinds you can substantially limit the amount of light coming into the
home, thereby keeping the temperature down. Not only do they serve a functional purpose but they can
also add texture and color to an interior space.
* Pump it up. If you are looking for the ultimate reprieve from the heat, create an indoor retreat with an air
conditioning unit. Before buying, consider the size of the space you are trying to cool to help determine
whether you need a portable, window-mounted or through-the-wall air conditioner. Look for energy
efficient options, such as Energy Star qualified units, that use less energy and can significantly cut cooling
expenses.
* Fan club. A fan can help circulate the cold air being produced by an air conditioner or simply act as the
primary cooling source in your home. Get double the use by installing a fan that has a light fixture built-in.
* Mother Nature. Get some natural shade by landscaping your property to have trees near windows. These
trees will act as a natural canopy that prevents the sun from heating your home through windows or being
absorbed by the exterior surface.
* Alfresco. If you enjoy dining outdoors there are plenty of stylish and affordable patio sets with umbrellas
or canopies that can help create a designated eating space and fend off the sun. A gazebo can act as a shady
poolside cabana or as an outdoor haven for eating or relaxing.
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As temperatures begin to enter the double and
often triple digits here in Southern California, you
may want to start thinking about ways to enjoy a
cooler and more comfortable Summer. Consider
these helpful tips to make your home cooler inside
and out:
often triple digits here in Southern California, you
may want to start thinking about ways to enjoy a
cooler and more comfortable Summer. Consider
these helpful tips to make your home cooler inside
and out:
Let Uncle Sam pay for Home Upgrades!
by AnnaMaria Andriotis
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Making energy-efficient home improvements will not only help cut your cooling costs this summer, but can
also provide a sizable break on your tax bill come tax season.
Thanks to the stimulus package, which passed in February, consumers can receive tax credits for up to 30%
of the cost to make energy-efficiency improvements to their home, like adding insulation or new windows.
The maximum $1,500 credit (one-time only) is a significant jump from the $500 offered in years past and
will be available through 2010. (Many of the previous credits expired at the end of 2007.)
Both the tax and the energy savings could really add up, especially considering that the average household
spends $1,000 a year on heating and cooling costs, says Ronnie Kweller, spokeswoman for the Alliance to
Save Energy.
by AnnaMaria Andriotis
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Making energy-efficient home improvements will not only help cut your cooling costs this summer, but can
also provide a sizable break on your tax bill come tax season.
Thanks to the stimulus package, which passed in February, consumers can receive tax credits for up to 30%
of the cost to make energy-efficiency improvements to their home, like adding insulation or new windows.
The maximum $1,500 credit (one-time only) is a significant jump from the $500 offered in years past and
will be available through 2010. (Many of the previous credits expired at the end of 2007.)
Both the tax and the energy savings could really add up, especially considering that the average household
spends $1,000 a year on heating and cooling costs, says Ronnie Kweller, spokeswoman for the Alliance to
Save Energy.
Still many of these purchases -- like central air conditioners and a new Energy Star-rated roof -- are so
expensive that consumers must weigh the upfront costs with potential savings (often, installation costs won't
count toward the credit either). Keep in mind that you won't be receiving that 30% tax credit for months
after the project is probably complete. And, in some cases, such moves may not be worth it. Ideally, you
want to replace the roof, A/C unit or insulation when they can no longer offer any savings on your cooling
and heating bills and that usually happens when they reach the end of their lifespan, says Kweller.
Knowing which products qualify for the new tax credits can also be tricky. For example, previous tax credits
were doled out to consumers who purchased Energy Star windows. Now, not every Energy Star-certified
window qualifies, and the ones that do adhere to stricter eligibility requirements.
Here are four home improvements that can help you cut your summer energy costs and get Uncle Sam to
pick up part of the tab:
Adding Insulation
Insulation is the cheapest home improvement that qualifies for the tax credits, says Karen Schneider,
spokeswoman for Energy Star. And by installing it you could save up to 20% on your energy bills.
For the new insulation to qualify, it must meet the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (check
product labeling or call the manufacturer) and carry a two-year warranty (or be expected to last five years).
Insulation at Home Depot and Lowe's costs $10 (for a 32-foot roll) and $56 (for a 119-square foot roll),
respectively.
If your home is less than five years old, you won't need new insulation, says Schneider. If your home is
older, measure the thickness of the insulation in your attic. Insulation is measured in R-values, which stands
for thermal resistance. It should range between R-30 and R-60 (for the northern parts of the country), she
says. Every three to five R-values typically equal an inch of insulation, so R-30 could range between six and
10 inches, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. Also check the insulation in your crawl space or
basement.
Purchasing New Windows and Doors
Before, tax credits for windows and doors were capped at $200. Now you can get up to $1,500. But that's
only if those doors and windows meet certain criteria.
Windows, doors and skylights need a label from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) that says
their U-factor -- a measure of how well they'll insulate the home from heat -- is no more than 0.30. The label
also needs to list a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures how much of the sun's heat
penetrates into the home, of no more than 0.30.
Still, qualifying windows are expensive, with most ranging from $270 to $1,100, says Susan Roeder,
spokeswoman for Andersen Windows and Doors, a window and door manufacturer based in Bayport,
Minn. Doors can start at around $840 and go as high as $2,500.
Storm windows and doors can also qualify. The storm window's manufacturer certification statement lists
the type of exterior windows, including single pane or clear glass, which it can be combined with to be
eligible for the credit. Storm doors need to accompany a tax-credit-eligible wooden door without exceeding a
combined U-factor of 0.30.
Replacing the Roof
Assuming your roof is around 15 years old, replacing it with a metal or asphalt roof that meets Energy Star
requirements will help keep your home cool by reflecting the sun's heat -- especially if you live in a warm
location, says Schneider.
This is a pricey project, however, running around $200 to $300 per square, says John New, a salesman at
American Building Components, a manufacturer of metal roofing in Nicholasville, Ky. For a 25-square roof
-- a common size -- it will cost $5,000 to $7,500.
But once you hit $5,000 you'll be eligible for the full $1,500 tax credit, says Schneider.
Copyrighted, SmartMoney.com. All Rights Reserved.
expensive that consumers must weigh the upfront costs with potential savings (often, installation costs won't
count toward the credit either). Keep in mind that you won't be receiving that 30% tax credit for months
after the project is probably complete. And, in some cases, such moves may not be worth it. Ideally, you
want to replace the roof, A/C unit or insulation when they can no longer offer any savings on your cooling
and heating bills and that usually happens when they reach the end of their lifespan, says Kweller.
Knowing which products qualify for the new tax credits can also be tricky. For example, previous tax credits
were doled out to consumers who purchased Energy Star windows. Now, not every Energy Star-certified
window qualifies, and the ones that do adhere to stricter eligibility requirements.
Here are four home improvements that can help you cut your summer energy costs and get Uncle Sam to
pick up part of the tab:
Adding Insulation
Insulation is the cheapest home improvement that qualifies for the tax credits, says Karen Schneider,
spokeswoman for Energy Star. And by installing it you could save up to 20% on your energy bills.
For the new insulation to qualify, it must meet the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (check
product labeling or call the manufacturer) and carry a two-year warranty (or be expected to last five years).
Insulation at Home Depot and Lowe's costs $10 (for a 32-foot roll) and $56 (for a 119-square foot roll),
respectively.
If your home is less than five years old, you won't need new insulation, says Schneider. If your home is
older, measure the thickness of the insulation in your attic. Insulation is measured in R-values, which stands
for thermal resistance. It should range between R-30 and R-60 (for the northern parts of the country), she
says. Every three to five R-values typically equal an inch of insulation, so R-30 could range between six and
10 inches, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. Also check the insulation in your crawl space or
basement.
Purchasing New Windows and Doors
Before, tax credits for windows and doors were capped at $200. Now you can get up to $1,500. But that's
only if those doors and windows meet certain criteria.
Windows, doors and skylights need a label from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) that says
their U-factor -- a measure of how well they'll insulate the home from heat -- is no more than 0.30. The label
also needs to list a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures how much of the sun's heat
penetrates into the home, of no more than 0.30.
Still, qualifying windows are expensive, with most ranging from $270 to $1,100, says Susan Roeder,
spokeswoman for Andersen Windows and Doors, a window and door manufacturer based in Bayport,
Minn. Doors can start at around $840 and go as high as $2,500.
Storm windows and doors can also qualify. The storm window's manufacturer certification statement lists
the type of exterior windows, including single pane or clear glass, which it can be combined with to be
eligible for the credit. Storm doors need to accompany a tax-credit-eligible wooden door without exceeding a
combined U-factor of 0.30.
Replacing the Roof
Assuming your roof is around 15 years old, replacing it with a metal or asphalt roof that meets Energy Star
requirements will help keep your home cool by reflecting the sun's heat -- especially if you live in a warm
location, says Schneider.
This is a pricey project, however, running around $200 to $300 per square, says John New, a salesman at
American Building Components, a manufacturer of metal roofing in Nicholasville, Ky. For a 25-square roof
-- a common size -- it will cost $5,000 to $7,500.
But once you hit $5,000 you'll be eligible for the full $1,500 tax credit, says Schneider.
Copyrighted, SmartMoney.com. All Rights Reserved.
Consumer Energy Tax Incentives
What the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Means to You (Info from
Department of Energy).
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 extended many consumer tax
incentives originally introduced in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) and
amended in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343).
Businesses, utilities, and governments are also eligible for tax credits.
See the summary of the energy tax incentives included in the Emergency Economic
Stabilization Act of 2008.
About Tax Credits
A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a
tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage
of the tax that is owed. Consumers can itemize purchases on their federal income tax
form, which will lower the total amount of tax they owe the government.
Fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-efficient appliances and products provide many
benefits such as better gas mileage –meaning lower gasoline costs, fewer emissions,
lower energy bills, increased indoor comfort, and reduced air pollution.
What the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Means to You (Info from
Department of Energy).
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 extended many consumer tax
incentives originally introduced in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) and
amended in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343).
Businesses, utilities, and governments are also eligible for tax credits.
See the summary of the energy tax incentives included in the Emergency Economic
Stabilization Act of 2008.
About Tax Credits
A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a
tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage
of the tax that is owed. Consumers can itemize purchases on their federal income tax
form, which will lower the total amount of tax they owe the government.
Fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-efficient appliances and products provide many
benefits such as better gas mileage –meaning lower gasoline costs, fewer emissions,
lower energy bills, increased indoor comfort, and reduced air pollution.
In addition to federal tax incentives, some consumers will also be eligible for utility or state rebates, as well
as state tax incentives for energy-efficient homes, vehicles and equipment. Each state’s energy office web
site may have more information on specific state tax information.
Below is a summary of many of the tax credits available to consumers. Please see the ENERGY STAR®
page on Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency for complete details.
Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax Credits
Consumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors,
roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in existing homes can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost, up
to $1,500, for improvements "placed in service" starting January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010. See
EnergyStar.gov for a complete summary of energy efficiency tax credits available to consumers.
as state tax incentives for energy-efficient homes, vehicles and equipment. Each state’s energy office web
site may have more information on specific state tax information.
Below is a summary of many of the tax credits available to consumers. Please see the ENERGY STAR®
page on Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency for complete details.
Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax Credits
Consumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors,
roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in existing homes can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost, up
to $1,500, for improvements "placed in service" starting January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2010. See
EnergyStar.gov for a complete summary of energy efficiency tax credits available to consumers.
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