Getting efficient lost a little of its incentive luster this year, but consumers may still save money and enterprising homeowners will still be able to reap tax breaks.
The tax package signed recently by President Obama sets aside energy efficiency incentives for everything from washing machines to lighting in commercial buildings. While some declined or saw increased standards, many soldiered on.
Here's a look at what's available to appliance manufacturers (and indirectly to consumers):
More information can be found at the Tax Incentives Assistance Project web site or a fact sheet provided by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
The tax package signed recently by President Obama sets aside energy efficiency incentives for everything from washing machines to lighting in commercial buildings. While some declined or saw increased standards, many soldiered on.
Here's a look at what's available to appliance manufacturers (and indirectly to consumers):
- Dishwashers that meet energy efficiency and water saving standards can receive tax incentives of between $25 and $75.
- Washing machines that meet energy efficiency and water saving standards can receive tax incentives of up to $225.
- Refrigerators that use 30 percent to 35 percent less energy than federal standards can receive tax incentives of up to $200.
- Those who purchase air conditioning or heat pump units that meet the highest efficiency standards can receive an incentive of 30 percent of the cost of installation, up to $300. In most cases, that requires purchase of a SEER 16 air conditioner. Those cost more than units of a lesser rating, which are still efficient.
- Those who purchase gas, electric or oil water heaters that rate a thermal efficiency of at least 90 percent can receive an incentive of up to $300.
- Those who purchase gas and oil furnaces and boilers that meet energy efficiency standards can receive an incentive of up to $150.
- Those who purchase biomass, or pellet, stoves that rate a thermal efficiency of at least 75 percent can receive an incentive of up to $300.
- Those who make energy efficiency improvements to their homes adding insulation, sealing ducts and adding cool roofs that meet specifications can receive incentives of up to 30 percent the cost of installation, including materials and labor.
- Those who add doors and windows that meet Energy Star ratings can receive incentives of up to $200.
More information can be found at the Tax Incentives Assistance Project web site or a fact sheet provided by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.