“Go Green” to save green on home improvements
I live in “Green Country,” that is, Spartan Green - Lansing/East Lansing, MI - home to Michigan State University. During this Big Ten football season, you hear a lot of shout-outs of “Go Green!”
All across the co
untry in magazines, television and on the Internet, there is a call to “go green” as it relates to your home, your car and your impact on the global environment.
Greening up your little corner of the world’s real estate can be of great benefit to you and your worldwide neighbors. It can also give a shot in the arm to the remodeling industry by increasing jobs. But, as an American taxpaying homeowner, your participation in the process can also save you plenty of “greenbacks.”
The U.S. government is extending tax credits to homeowners who take steps to green up their homes. Installing energy-efficient doors, windows, insulation, roofing, heating/cooling units and heat pumps can give a homeowner a credit equal to 30 percent of the cost, up to a maximum of $1,500. Installation charges are not included. Only upgrades made to a primary residence are eligible.
Products must meet a required standard. See the Energy Star site for detailed information on the efficiency requirements. Depending on the product, application for tax credits are available through either 2010 or 2016. Tax information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can be found on its website.
After purchase of eligible products, homeowners should retain the following for their records:
- All product receipts
- Manufacturer’s name and address
- All product identification, e.g., make and model
- Statement that product meets government standards
- Climate zones for which the criteria are satisfied
- A declaration that the certification statement is true
Saving green while going green is one way to lighten your home’s carbon footprint. Are you ready to “Go Green”?
TALK BACK: What are you doing to go green at home? Post your comments below.
Posted by Sharon Walker
