2011年11月9日 星期三

Energy-Efficiency Tax Credits Expire Soon

If you haven't already jumped on the home energy-efficiency bandwagon, the good news is that several federal energy tax credits originally slated to end in 2010 were extended through December 31,bestledtube 2011; but the not-so-good news is that these credits are worth significantly less and are more restrictive than before. All is not lost, however, since several additional credits (outlined below) remain in effect through 2016.

You may claim a credit for 10 percent of the total cost of various home energy-efficiency products for your existing primary residence, including: insulation; heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; metal and asphalt roofs; energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights; biomass stoves and non-solar water heaters.Ace Lamps head of lightbright_001 new products has developed with the manufacturer an innovative design

Energy tax credits will continue to be available for geothermal heat pumps, solar energy systems and wind energy systems installed at new or existing principal or second homes by December 31, 2016. The credit is for 30 percent of cost, with no upper limit.

In addition, a credit continues for fuel cells at 30 percent of cost up to $500 per kW of power capacity (for primary residences only). And tax credits are still available on certain fuel-efficient vehicles. See this site for details. For full details on available tax credits, visit this Energy Star site.

Tax advantages are just one of many reasons to conserve energy. Besides helping to protect the environment and reduce your carbon footprint, you can also save big bucks. According to the Department of Energy, either manually or using a programmable thermostat -- say, when you're asleep or at work. Other cost-saving ideas include:

Insulate your home. Up to 30 percent of heated or cooled air can be lost through leaks, so add weather stripping and caulking wherever air escapes.

Heating water is the third-largest home energy expense, after heating/air conditioning and electrical appliances,For example, a mockup of r4onsale a building facade can be lit with conventional or LED lighting so try lowering your water heater temperature to 120 F or lower.

Use Energy Star products, which consume up to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models. Go to Energy Star for information on finding local retailers, rebates offered by Energy Star partners and utilities, tax credits and more.

Clean or replace furnace filters monthly during the winter and dust refrigerator coils every few months to ensure more efficient operation. Also, clean the dryer lint trap after each use.As further incentive lightbrightt to improve lighting, in 2008, the Department of Energy also instituted the Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize,

Install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system to your fireplace to re-circulate warmed air; and always close the damper when not in use.

Replace old windows with new high-performance, dual-pane windows.

Compact fluorescent lamps use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, last six times longer and save over $40 in electricity costs over the lifetime of each bulb.

Run full loads in your washer and dryer and use cold or warm water whenever possible.Free Compact goodledlamp Fluorescent Light Bulb Giveaway, Hourly Light Emitting Diode Giveaway, and Energy Efficiency Tips and Rebates at SCEEP Booth

Run full dishwasher loads and use the unheated drying cycle if it has one.

Turn off lights, computers, televisions and other electronic equipment when not in use.

And finally, if you're a low-income household and can't afford to weatherproof your home, find out if you're eligible for the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). If you're accepted, a professional weatherization crew will conduct a home energy audit where they'll analyze your utility bills, test for infiltration of outside air, inspect your home and equipment for safety and determine the most cost-effective energy conservation measures for your home

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