From Planet Green

Tax time approaches like a frayed, grim specter. Its knurled, forms-filled claws and icy bureaucratic stare can deplete a wage-earner of whatever meager pittance he or she has managed to scrabble together over the last fiscal year. Woe are they! Is there not anything we can do?

Well, there is something we can do. The United States government is extending tax breaks to homeowners who have decided to green up their home. Due to Stimulus bill and the forward movement of time, many of the rules governing our tax codes have become outdated. (And old posts about tax breaks are outdated as well.

Here is a rundown of the tax breaks a homeowner may receive for making green upgrades to their house.

Exterior Windows and Skylights.
As long as the U factor and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient exceed .30, you can claim 30% or up to $1,500 dollars on new exterior windows and skylights.

Storm Windows
You can get a 30% or up to $1,500 dollar tax break on your storm windows, but they must reach Internal Energy Code Conservation Standards for your climate zone. This is in conjunction with your exterior windows. Make sure to ask for a Manufacturer's Certification Statement when you purchase storm windows.

Exterior Doors
As long as the U factor and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient exceed .30, you can claim 30% or up to $1,500 dollars on exterior doors.

Storm Doors
You get the same deal on storm doors that you get on storm windows. All standards and certifications are the same.

Metal or Asphalt Roof
By installing an Energy Star metal or asphalt roof, you can reclaim 30% or $1,500 dollars. Your roof must be expected to last five years (It should last longer. Everyone here hopes so.) or have a two-year warranty.

Insulation
If your insulation meets 2009 IECC standards and is expected to last five years or comes with a two-year warranty, you can reclaim 30% or $1,500 smackers. The biggest source of home energy usage is heating and cooling. Take advantage of this one.

Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
You can get a 30%/up to $1,500 rebate on your air conditioner or heat pump if it meets certain qualifications. Check out the directory of qualifying AC units and Heat Pumps.

Furnaces and Boilers
The infamous 30%/up to $1,500 rebate is back again for furnaces and boilers. Check out the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association's directory of qualified units. You'll also find advanced main air circulating fans on that list. As long as the fan uses no more than 2% of your furnace's energy, you are qualified for a 30%/$1500 tax break on that as well.

Geo-Thermal Heat Pump
All Energy Star geo-thermal heat pumps are eligible for the obligatory 30%/$1500 tax break. They must be placed into service between Jan, 1 2008 thru December, 31st 2016. So don’t procrastinate that much.

Water Heaters
All oil, gas and propane water heaters are entitled for the ubiquitous 30%/$1500 tax break if they have an energy factor greater than .82 or have 90% thermal efficiency. All Energy Star electric heat pump water heaters are qualified for the same tax break.

Biomass Stove
A biomass stove with a 75% thermal heating efficiency rating can net you a rebate of 30% of cost or up to $1,500.

Solar Water Heating
You can reclaim up to 30% of cost on your solar water heater. There are, however, strings attached.

At least half of the energy generated by the "qualifying property" must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household.

The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs.

The water must be used in the dwelling.

The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).
Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Photovoltaic Systems You can reclaim up to 30% of your cost on photovoltaic systems as long as they provide electricity for the home and meet fire and electrical code standards.

Wind Energy Systems Recoup 30% of cost on a wind energy system.

Residential Fuel Cell and microturbine system A homeowner is eligible for a 30% rebate on RFC micro turbine system as long as it can generate .5 kWh. However, you get a 30% rebate per .5 kWh.

Plug In Electric Hybrids You can get a $2,500-$7,500 rebate on a plug-in electric car. This deal is only good for the first $250,000 buyers.

More info at energystar.gov