Tax Breaks Targeting Energy Efficiency
Online, April 2, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The United States federal tax credits for home energy efficiency upgrades expired at the close of 2011. Although congress may take action this year, for now there are no longer any rebates for homeowners. Those who completed certain qualifying conservation measures during 2011 are, however, eligible to file for credits. The blog YourGreenEnergyHome.com as launched a bit ahead of schedule in order to alert people that they may be eligible for these energy-saver credits. Federal rebates for residential solar and wind power systems are set to continue for several more years.
"We were developing content for a new blog," explains blogger Don Roberts, "when we realized that energy credits we had written about several years ago were still available, although at lower amounts." With just a few weeks until federal taxes are due, a prior article on energy tax credits was updated and went live late last week. Many people don't realize that several home-remodeling expenses may meet the requirements. Homeowners who paid a bit extra for higher-efficiency equipment and materials "just might get some of that expense back" explains Roberts.
Although performance requirements are high, a surprising variety of materials and devices qualify. The expected insulation, weather stripping, and energy-star windows are included as well as special roofing materials. However many people are surprised to learn that a high-efficiency central air-condition may qualify for a rebate. Even caulk, and other air-sealing materials qualify for small rebates. Certain pellet wood stoves, in fact any waste "biomass stoves" may also qualify, but the efficiency requirements are quite high. Only limited types of water heaters are included. Certain boilers, furnaces, and heat pumps may also qualify.
The ne blog introduces details concerning the various conservation measures as well as what costs are covered, how to file for the credits, and where to find even more information. Returning to its original plans, the site has begun a series on home energy assessments and will then provide practical information for various energy conservation techniques.