Here's a quick rundown of eligible energy-saving improvements that get you credits if installed in your primary residence now through Dec. 31. Keep in mind that there's a $500 overall cap on the credits you can earn, and that the total is impacted by any related energy-efficiency credits you've earned in prior tax years (however, it doesn't affect the $1,500 limit that was available for 2009 and 2010).
Tax Credit: 10% of cost up to $500 or a set amount between $50 and $300:
-HVAC equipment, including air source heat pumps, central air conditioners, advanced main air circulating fans, furnaces and boilers
-Insulation, including bulk products like batts and rolls, and air-sealing items such as weather stripping, caulk and house wrap
-Metal and asphalt roofing
-Non-solar water heaters
-Windows, doors and skylights (credits for windows are capped at $200)
-Biomass stoves with thermal efficiency rating of at least 75%
Tax Credit: 30% of cost with no upper limit:
-Geothermal heat pumps
-Solar energy systems, including solar water heaters and solar panels
-Small residential wind turbines, with a nameplate capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts
Tax Credit: 30% of cost, up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity:
-Fuel cells, with efficiency of at least 30% and capacity of at least .5 kW
To receive the energy tax credits you deserve at tax time next year, hold on to receipts and Manufacturer's Certification Statements for the items you install, and plan to file 2011 IRS Form 5695. If you live in Massachusetts or Southern NH contact Campbell Heating & Air at (877) 410-3752 or visit http://www.campbellheatingandair.com/ for more information on qualifying products.
