Federal tax incentives for upgradation of homes

With today’s increasing energy costs, it makes sense to live in an energy efficient home. If you are contemplating a shift to the San Jose area and the home of your choice is not energy-efficient, there is no need to rule it out.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, federal tax incentives are available for upgrades to existing homes. Such incentives have been increased to $1500 based on 30% of the improvement cost. These cover heating and air-conditioning upgrades and building envelope improvements including window insulation. 30% credits are available without any ceiling for on-site renewable products like solar hot-water, solar photovoltaic systems, geothermal heat pumps and small wind-powered systems.

The additional expenditure in upgradation of a home is worth it, in terms of savings in utility bills. Upgradation to energy-efficient standards is generally focused on improved performance and efficiency of lighting, heating, cooling, water usage and appliances. A professional energy auditor could conduct a study and furnish a report with suggestions and possible cost savings.

Get a realtor to help you find an energy efficient home

Dale Warfel is a realtor who has been working in the Bay Area for nearly 13 years. He is aware of the shift towards environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient homes and the benefits in such an investment. Dale Warfel will recommend a reliable energy audit company to study a home in San Jose or a neighborhood of your preference and evaluate the savings against increased cost of upgradation. Talk to him at 408.624.6202 or visit his website at www.dalewarfel.com. Above all, if he shows you a home you like and its not energy-efficient, don’t let that deter you.