Are you or in the middle of all home improvement projects?
If your answer is yes, do you energy efficient home improvements ?
While winter may be months away, we all know it's coming and that means higher heating bills. Although we can not usually avoid these changes, there are some ways to reduce their long-term impact on your wallet.
Now is a good time to consider investing in energy efficient home improvements. Not only are you doing your part to help the environment, you may also be looking at tax credits to help offset some of the costs
Consider making these improvements before temperatures begin to drop this fall.
Insulate the attic
When the heat rises, you might be tempted to insulate the walls but this can be expensive. The first place you should isolate is just above your head.
Check drafts
A small project is like having a door ajar. Remove the caulking gun, caulking or other draft judgments tools to keep the warm air and the cold air outside.
Also, do not forget to lock your unused chimney so that it does not suck heat your fireplace.
Change your furnace filter
It takes a lot of energy to blow air through a dirty filter the oven. Check your filter to see if it should be replaced with a new one. You may change your filter as often need once a month, especially if you have pet dander in your home.
Use of solar panels for heating water
solar panels used for heating and cooling your home can be a great alternative energy source . Unfortunately, these improvements can be on the expensive side, making it difficult for most of us to recover the total cost of installation.
This does not mean you can not enjoy the warm sunshine. If your home receives enough sunlight, using its energy to heat water can save you money.
Take a tax credit
Uncle Sam can even help you pay some investments in energy efficiency home improvements.
If you buy insulation, windows, doors or roofs that come with credit certification statement from a manufacturer, you can get 10 percent of the cost of your return as a tax credit. Keep in mind that credit has a limit of life of $ 500, of which only $ 0 can be for windows.
Do you buy an alternative energy equipment? If so, you may qualify for an even higher percentage of return on your investment.
If you install solar energy systems, fuel cells, small wind energy systems, or geothermal heat pumps, you can take a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost .
There are no limits on what credit amount. If you can not use all the credit this year, you can see the rest next year.
Small changes can make a big impact.
While you are in the power saving mood, be sure to turn the electronics off and used to give that old refrigerator in the garage. Many energy companies send you a refund for recycling, the work equipment used, such as refrigerators or air conditioning units. Check with providers in your area to see if you can take advantage of this.
Although unplug appliances and electronics can not get you a tax credit in excess, it will help you save on your energy bills.
How many times did you change your furnace filter
photo credit: Maldives Presidency via photopin cc
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