Thinking of a new furnace or air conditioner?  Or maybe you have been in need of a water heater or new windows?  Not only will you benefit from the immediate comfort of installing and upgrading your current systems – you will save money in the long run by using less energy and reducing your electric/gas bills.  AND you may find your improvement qualifies you for a tax credit. 

The Energy Star website  has details on the qualifying improvements and upgrades and explains how the tax works.  Check it out.  You still have 5 months to complete the work.  The deadline is 12.31.2010.

Today’s post comes from my friends at Eric & Adam at  KronbergWall .  They are architects and fellow eco enthusiasts.  They can help you with your home designs and renovations. 

The recently signed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 makes federal energy efficiency tax credits available for your home renovations if you make them in 2009 and 2010.

Specific types of high efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, and tankless gas water heaters qualify. Certain energy efficient doors, windows, roofing, and insulation also qualify. You are eligible to receive a credit for these upgrades if they are installed in existing homes that are primary residences. The tax credit has been raised to 30% of cost up to a total credit of $1500.

There are even greater tax credit opportunities for solar water heaters, geothermal systems, and photovoltaic systems. You can receive a tax credit of up to 30% of the total cost of these systems, and it is not limited to the $1500 cap. In addition to existing primary residences, the credit is also available for vacation homes, rentals, and new construction.

Eric Kronberg, AIA, LEED AP
Adam Wall, AIA, LEED AP