So, all the talk of lighting, which is better/more efficient/etc., plasma bulbs and the like, got me thinking. It appears that there may be interest in 'efficiency'. What better way to kick this off than to outline a few government programs currently available to help us all increase efficiency at home. This has obvious potential impact on the cost of operating marine aquaria.
One is the 'Energy Star Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency'. This has, two forms of tax credits-
1) for installing energy efficient improvements at 30% up to $1500, and
2) energy improvements installed at 30% WITH NO UPPER LIMIT!
What does this mean? Well, thanks to our fearless leader and Congress, they have seen fit to extend these programs under the 'Economic Recovery Act of 2009' in an effort to boost consumer spending and help the economy. When we spend money on upgrading energy efficient doors, windows, water heaters, etc. we get to claim it on our Federal Taxes and receive a credit in the form of a refund for 30% of the cost, up to $1500. For other items such as solar water heaters, wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels and fuel cells, we can claim 30% with NO UPPER LIMIT.
This is in essence getting 30% off (or paid for by Uncle Sam). I have seen many people talk here about one day they might install solar panels or geothermal. Well here's your shot. Some utilities are offering rebates as well. I am using it to upgrade my HVAC systems, and getting $1500 from a tax credit, plus $500 from my power company! Check here for details-
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index">http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index</a>
Additionally, FHA and HUD are offering Energy Efficient mortgages and refinance/remodeling/upgrade programs for new and existing homeowners. I found out I qualified for this too, and will get to lower my mortgage rate in the process. Between all the rebates and interest savings my out of pocket payback will be 3 months. After that I will save an additional $200 dollars per month from the lower interest and reduced utility bills!
[IMG]http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/eem/eemhome.cfm">http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/eem/eemhome.cfm</a>
Woo-hoo! What do you think? Almost enough to offset the cost of running the tanks!:yay:
One is the 'Energy Star Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency'. This has, two forms of tax credits-
1) for installing energy efficient improvements at 30% up to $1500, and
2) energy improvements installed at 30% WITH NO UPPER LIMIT!
What does this mean? Well, thanks to our fearless leader and Congress, they have seen fit to extend these programs under the 'Economic Recovery Act of 2009' in an effort to boost consumer spending and help the economy. When we spend money on upgrading energy efficient doors, windows, water heaters, etc. we get to claim it on our Federal Taxes and receive a credit in the form of a refund for 30% of the cost, up to $1500. For other items such as solar water heaters, wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels and fuel cells, we can claim 30% with NO UPPER LIMIT.
This is in essence getting 30% off (or paid for by Uncle Sam). I have seen many people talk here about one day they might install solar panels or geothermal. Well here's your shot. Some utilities are offering rebates as well. I am using it to upgrade my HVAC systems, and getting $1500 from a tax credit, plus $500 from my power company! Check here for details-
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index">http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index</a>
Additionally, FHA and HUD are offering Energy Efficient mortgages and refinance/remodeling/upgrade programs for new and existing homeowners. I found out I qualified for this too, and will get to lower my mortgage rate in the process. Between all the rebates and interest savings my out of pocket payback will be 3 months. After that I will save an additional $200 dollars per month from the lower interest and reduced utility bills!
[IMG]http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/eem/eemhome.cfm">http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/eem/eemhome.cfm</a>
Woo-hoo! What do you think? Almost enough to offset the cost of running the tanks!:yay:
