FLASH - SPRING 2009 - TAX CREDITS FOR ENERGY UPGRADES!

The tax credit for making energy-efficient home improvements has been raised to 30 percent of the cost of the improvements, up to a maximum of $1,500. Eligible improvements -- which must meet the standards established by the federal government -- include replacing doors and windows, adding insulation, and installing new heating and air conditioning systems and water heaters.

The tax credit on home improvements works as a great incentive for homeowners who need to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes

These incentives are "credits" rather than "deductions" making them even more appealing, since you get 100 percent back on your taxes from a credit. Homeowners will also have the benefit of reduced utility bills in future years.

The Wall Street bailout package included an eight-year extension of a 30% tax credit for residential homeowners and commercial businesses that purchase rooftop solar systems. Even more beneficial for homeowners is a provision in the bailout bill that removes a $2,000 cap on the tax-credit benefit. For families that buy the average rooftop solar system at a cost of between $25,000 and $30,000, the change means they'll get a much bigger rebate. Instead of a $2,000 tax credit for a system, homeowners would be looking at around $9,000!

ENERGY COSTS ARE THE SECOND
LARGEST EXPENSE OF HOME OWNERSHIP; SECOND ONLY TO YOUR MORTGAGE PAYMENT

The energy review provides a road map which achieves a reduction in energy costs. The energy inspection and the improvements suggested in your report are “investments that you can literally bank on”. YOUR home, or the home you are considering purchasing, is a likely candidate for an energy inspection.

The goal of the review is “to bring today's energy efficiency to yester-year's homes, paid for by tomorrow's energy savings.” It encourages homeowners to “put their money where their house is”, by shifting from purchasing energy to purchasing energy improvements. This will:

improve a home's comfort,
increase its value,
save energy costs,
and enable us to live more responsibly on our planet.

In response to local homeowner calls, we are now prepared to offer a standardized home energy review in the North Carolina Triangle area, concentrating on Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Durham and nearby areas.

We spend most of our time in buildings -- homes, schools, offices, and stores. But most people hardly notice details about buildings: how they are designed, how they are built, and how well they are maintained. These details have a strong effect on how much we enjoy a house and how much it costs.

An "energy-efficient" home is more comfortable. It needs less fuel for heat and less electricity for cooling. A home that is badly designed and poorly kept up wastes money. Why? Because it is trying to heat and air-condition the outdoors as well as the indoors.

After a thorough on-site consultation, we generate a written report on the ENERGY ASPECTS of your home. It is both an educational tool and a specific review of your house.

Honest, Detailed, and Timely

Tofu Dave is up to date on the latest in solar technologies, insulation techniques, and ways to achieve both comfort and energy performance in your older home or in new construction. During the coming months I will be adding to this website bit by bit in between "real" work.

In the meantime, contact Tofu directly at info@EcoTuneYourHome.com or leave a voicemail at 919-926-0407

(Please note that a home energy review is *NOT* a NC home inspection, which is a good idea when buying or selling property, and we can refer you to our favorite licensed home inspector if that is what you need.)