Did You Know?

ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors and skylights can reduce your energy bills up to 15% while helping protect the environment.

As of June 1, 2009, windows, doors, and skylights with U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings of less than or equal to 0.30 are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the product price, up to $1,500. Although it seems complicated to determine which products meet those requirements, ENERGY STAR makes it easy. Look for the following ENERGY STAR labels and you can be sure the product you are buying is eligible for the tax credit. You can also call or stop by your local glass shop like Peterson Glass in Chester to find out more.

Qualifying products purchased by December 31, 2010 are eligible for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the product cost. Installation is not included; be sure to obtain an itemized invoice from your retailer or installer. The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined (including roofing, insulation, HVAC, and water heaters) is $1,500 during 2009 and 2010.

It just got harder for a TV to earn the ENERGY STAR. Now TVs that carry the government’s ENERGY STAR label are, on average, 40% more efficient than conventional models. Available in stores nationwide, these TVs will help consumers save even more energy and money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and still deliver all the features and performance quality they expect.

Question
How do I know if I have enough insulation in my attic?
Answer
A quick way to see if you need more insulation is to look across your attic. If your insulation is level with or below the joists, you probably need to add more insulation (but remember to seal the air leaks before you insulate). If you can’t see the joists because the insulation is above them, then you probably have enough and adding more will likely not be cost effective. Even if you have plenty of insulation, it may not be performing well due to cold air leaking through the insulation into the house. So make sure to look for signs of air leaks and seal them up as you find them. Visit ENERGY STAR Home Sealing (website below) for more informationYes, biomass stoves can qualify for a tax credit which include qualifying wood and pellet stoves.

How much: 30% of the cost of the stove (including installation/labor costs), up to $1,500. The cost of the fuel is not included. Which components associated with the stove are also eligible?
Timing: Tax credit in effect in 2009 and 2010. Must be installed in your principal residence before December 31, 2010.
Details: The stoves must be used for heat or water heating and have a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75% as measured using a lower heating value.The law defines “biomass fuel” as any plant-derived fuel available on a renewable or recurring basis, including agricultural crops and trees, wood and wood waste and residues (including wood pellets), plant (including aquatic plants), grasses, residues and fibers.

Source: US Department of Energy, http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_sealing