How to Have an Energy-Efficient House – Part Three

In this last of three parts on weatherization, we touch on more “green” technology, and how the weatherization assistance program encourages it.

Everything’s going green

The government will now accept the cost of installation and price of specified “green” appliances as part of a tax credit worth $1,500. Appliances include qualified ventilation, heating and air-conditioning units, water heaters (non-solar) and biomass stoves. Gas water heater manufacturers will soon have products that can be included in the $1,500 credit.

The idea behind this is for people to buy the most energy efficient version of an appliance. This is an advanced idea for home improvement, as “green” technology usually has long-term benefits, paying for themselves in a longer period than most other appliances.

The tax credit covers 30% of the price and installation cost, and has no upper limit except for the $1,500 credit ceiling. In many cases, the tax credit will run until 2016.

Solar panels, solar water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and wind-powered systems are all included. When combined, many of these devices have the capability to lower your utility bills to zero. In some cases, you can even get a refund on your electrical bill if your devices give surplus power back to the grid.

Read more about weatherization and energy Efficiency in Part One and Part Two of this three-part article series.

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