How to Have an Energy-Efficient House – Part Two

In this second of three parts, we dig deeper into how you can take advantage of your local and federal governments’ weatherization assistance programs. Combined with other energy assistance programs like LIHEAP, an energy-efficient house can make life easier during extreme months. Here are a few more tips.

Government tax credits

Even if you don’t qualify for government-assisted weatherization, you can still cut down on your bills by applying for tax credits. The government’s Energy Star website can help you understand the tax credit program as it applies to an energy-efficient house. You can get up to $1,500 back (sometimes per segment of weatherization) once the efficiency of your insulation, appliances and other factors in your house are studied and verified.

Insulation, roofing and windows

Insulation is a house’s first defense against heat loss. Each region has its own requirements, but they all should meet the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code standards. This is particularly important if you’re living in an old house, or a house that has used older building and insulation techniques.

For roofing, as long as your material, be it asphalt or metal, qualifies for the necessary Energy Star rating, it can qualify for the tax credit. The material must last five years, or have a two-year warranty. You can have up to 30% of the cost credited.

The challenge comes with windows and doors. Only the best windows and doors will qualify for the tax credit. Again, check with the Energy Star website to see what windows and doors qualify.

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

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