Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
March 17, 2009
**Please note, not all ENERGY STAR qualified home products meet the federal tax credit. These tax credits are available for a number of products at the highest efficiency levels, which typically cost much more than standard products. If, for whatever reason, you decide not to purchase a product covered by the tax credit, you may still consider purchasing a minimum standard product. Either way, your new "Comfort System" will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time. The higher in efficiency, the faster pay back on your investment...INVESTMENT!
Tax Credits for Consumers:
Home Improvements
Tax credits are now available for home improvements:
- Must be "placed in service" from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.
- Must be for taxpayer's "Principal Residence".
- $1,500 is the maximum total amount that can be claimed for all products placed in service in 2009 & 2010 for most home improvements, EXCEPT for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and windmills which are not subject to this cap, and are in effect through 2016.
- Must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement to qualify.
- For record keeping, save your receipts and the Manufacturer Certification Statement.
- Improvements made in 2009 will be claimed on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010) — use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) — it will be available late 2009 or early 2010.
- If you are building a new home, you can qualify for the tax credit for geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaics, solar water heaters, small wind systems and fuel cells, but not the tax credits for windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, or non-solar water heaters.
| Blown-In | Meets 2009 IECC & Amendments |
For insulation to qualify, its primary purpose must be to insulate. (example: Blown-In Attic Insulation does qualify). Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty |
||
| HVAC | Central A/C | Split Systems: EER >=13 SEER >= 16 Package systems: EER >= 12 SEER >= 14 |
For a list of qualified products, please consult with one of Cypress Heating-Air & Plumbings "Comfort Specialist". Note - Not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. |
|
| Air Source Heat Pumps | Split Systems: HSPF >= 8.5 EER >= 12.5 SEER >= 15 Package systems: HSPF >= 8 EER >= 12 SEER >= 14 |
|||
| Natural Gas or Propane Furnace |
AFUE >= 95 |
Note: For a list of qualified products, please consult with one of Cypress Heating-Air & Plumbings "Comfort Specialist". |
||
| Oil Furnace |
AFUE >= 90 |
|||
| Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler |
AFUE >= 90 |
|||
| Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan | No more than 2% of furnace total energy use | |||
| Water Heaters | Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater | Energy Factor >= 0.82 or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%. |
All Energy Star gas tankless water heater will qualify. Note: For a list of qualifying products, please consult with one of Cypress Heating-Air & Plumbings "Comfort Specialist". |
|
| Electric Heat Pump Water Heater | Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Energy Factor >= 2.0 |
All Energy Star electric heat pump water heaters qualify for the tax credit. |
