The federal tax credits for improving the energy efficiency of your home expire on Dec. 31. If you’ve been considering some positive changes to reduce your energy costs, now’s the time to do it. With winter bearing down, you’ll reap the benefit in home comfort, as well as savings.
According to Energy Savers, the eligible products for the 2011 tax credits include:
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Heating and cooling equipment includes heat pumps, furnaces, boilers and central air- conditioning systems. You can also get a tax credit for installing an energy-efficient blower fan in a forced-air system that you already have. Required efficiency ratings vary, depending on the type of equipment you install.
- Biomass stoves. These stoves burn wood, wood waste, pellets and other fuel. A stove must have a 75 percent efficiency rating to be eligible for the credit. The credit includes installation.
- Roofing products. The tax credit applies to Energy Star-rated metal roofing and reflective asphalt shingles. The credit does not include installation.
- Water heaters. Energy-efficient gas, oil, heat-pump and propane water heaters are eligible. Electric water heaters are not. Installation costs are included.
- Exterior doors, windows and skylights. The eligible products must be Energy Star-rated products. The credit does not include installation costs.
All of these products can reduce your energy consumption throughout the year. As a resident of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, you’ll especially appreciate them during the long fall-winter-spring cold season.
If you want more information about upgrading your HVAC system before the credits expire, contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We can help you find products that qualify for the credits, lowering your bills and increasing your comfort all year long.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy tax credits and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning services Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!