You Can See Clearly ~ More Ways than One to Get the Most from the Federal Energy Tax Credit

Nov 17, 2010

The federal government got it right this time. With the Federal Energy Tax Credit, you can help save energy and save big money – up to $1500 – if you invest in energy-saving improvements by December 31, 2010. And you can use these breaks even if you benefited from similar ones in earlier years.

The first good news is that it's a credit, not just a deduction. What's the difference?

A deduction reduces your taxable income. A credit reduces your taxes, dollar for dollar. A $100 deduction may decrease your taxes by $15, while a credit will reduce them by $100.

The second good news is, this particular credit provides savings in more than one way:

  • Substantial savings now, with the credit of 30% of the purchase price of an eligible energy-efficient product or renewable energy system.
  • Extended savings for years to come, with reduced energy use.
  • Sustainable savings for the environment – where you help the planet while helping yourself.

You'll get the most from these savings if you're able to invest in energy-efficient windows and entry doors. The biggest percentage of heat loss in homes is through energy-leaking windows and entry doors. If you're losing energy out the window, check out www.innovationconst.com for a free consultation, a wide selection of products, (and 25% off installation through December 15, 2010).

What if you don't need windows and doors? What if yours are either new or efficient replacements?  What if your budget is geared for a smaller project?

You can still get the benefit of the Energy Tax Credit while letting some extra sunshine light up your rooms.

Improvements in skylights have increased your options, with innovators like Velux offering numerous choices that can brighten your home and reap the benefits of the Federal Energy Tax Credit as well. In fact, in addition to skylights, Velux has developed a Super Energy Efficient Sun Tunnel ™ product to meet the energy codes of .30/.30 U-factor/SHGC.

Windows, skylights, and entry doors are rated by efficiency standards for insulation and absorbing solar heat: they must at least meet the minimum Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) levels and U-Factor levels for efficiency. With the right product selection and proper installation, your home can be made more energy efficient by up to 74% with upgrades in these areas:

  • Windows
  • Entry Doors
  • Velux Skylights
  • Velux Sun Tunnels ™
  • Velux Solar Blinds (Velux solar blinds qualify as "photovoltaic property" and are eligible for the 30% tax credit.)

Innovation Construction Company (www.innovationconst.com) can help you weigh the advantages of different skylights (fixed or venting; manual or electric) or Sun Tunnels ™ (rigid or flexible). We're prepared and qualified to help you select products that are tax-credit-eligible -- meeting specifications within the ENERGY STAR rating and meeting the energy codes of .30/.30 U-factor/SHGC -- and using only the most reliable companies and reputable local dealers.

And, whether you go with skylights, windows or doors, it makes sense for the environment – and your wallet – to make this your target zone for the biggest savings now – and for years to come.

Please visit our website www.innovationconst.com or call 508-291-4907 for a free consultation.

Chuckle of the Week

If you found a five dollar bill in every pocket of your coat, what would you have ? Someone else’s coat.