Have you been putting off making energy-saving improvements to your home? Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint and energy expenditures by making use of solar power, but are unsure about how to begin? Now is the time to act. Not only will you be prepared for the cooler months ahead, but if you make these improvements by Dec. 31, 2011, you’ll qualify for up to $500 in federal tax incentives for each improvement you make.

The federal energy tax credits offer homeowners who make energy-saving improvements to their existing, primary residences up to $500 credit per improvement toward the cost of materials and possibly labor on their 2011 federal tax returns. This credit does not apply to rental properties, vacation homes or newly-constructed homes.

To apply for these credits, homeowners should complete IRS form 5695 and file it with their 2011 tax returns. These forms should be available in early 2012.

Several heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) products are included in the tax incentive program. Among these are:

• Central air conditioning systems
• Oil, propane and natural gas furnaces
• House wrap
• Rolled and spray insulation
• Weatherstripping
• Heat pumps
• Oil, propane and natural gas water heaters
• Electric heat pump water heaters

Additional tax incentives apply to homeowners that add energy-saving solar products to their homes. Unlike the credits detailed above, the solar tax credits apply to both existing and newly-built primary residences, and this program doesn’t expire until Dec. 31, 2016. Products eligible for this incentive include solar panels and solar water heaters.

Remember that not all HVAC products or all Energy Star-certified products qualify you for the 2011 federal energy tax credits. Valley Heating, Cooling & Electrical can help you make sense of all of the requirements while assisting you in choosing the products that are best for your home and your family. Contact us todayto get started on your tax savings.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about tax credits and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Valley Heating, Cooling & Electrical services the South Bay Peninsula and Santa Cruz areas in California.  Visit our website to see our special offersand get started today!      

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