Carol will be working Saturday Feb. 13th from 10-5 at the Arbor Place Mall Sears in Douglasville if you want to stop by. 

Energy Saving Appliances and home improvements can give you a tax break!

You may have heard about the federal tax credits for energy star appliances.  Whether you’re looking to install a new toilet or upgrade your heating and air throughout your home, if you utilize energy saving products, it may give you a tax break.  There are several stipulations around the deductions that are based on the overall energy performance of the items you are changing.

For energy star appliances, visit www.energystar.gov to find out what appliances qualify.  For upgrades to your home, this new website www.houselogic.com has great information on the stipulations around replacing roofs, insulation, hot water heaters and other utilities in your home.  This site also explains some common tax deductions you can take for your home. 

Remember that getting a nice tax break is only one benefit to utilizing these government funded initiatives.  You will also be decreasing your utility bills and helping make our environment a better place for the future.

Making green improvements to your home can be good for the environment and your wallet

On February 17, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009.  This bill extends and modifies the tax credits for windows, doors, and skylights established in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Going green can not only improve the environment but can also help the wallet.  If renovations are in store for your home consider making them energy efficient.  There are tax credits for 30% of energy efficient home improvements for amounts of up to $1,500 for improvements to existing homes.  Acceptable projects include:

•    Windows and Doors
•    Insulation
•    Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
•    HVAC
•    Water Heaters (non-solar)
•    Biomass Stoves

There are also tax credits available for 30% of the project cost, no limit, for existing homes and new construction.  These projects include:

•    Geothermal Heat Pumps
•    Solar Panels
•    Solar Water Heaters
•    Small Wind Energy Systems
•    Fuel Cells

Reducing the carbon footprint for your home has never been more affordable or had such incentive.  Whether you want to change your windows or alter your home’s energy source, making changes to make a difference in our environment can help save you money.

For information on energy efficient tax credits click here or call The Mullinax Team at 770.606.0054.

Most people purchase window treatments, such as heavy drapes, blinds or shutters to complete the look they want to establish on the inside of their home. But curtains, drapes, blinds and shutters are also a wonderful investment that will help keep energy costs down, whether you are heating or cooling your home. Attic insulation is also one of the best ways a homeowner can reduce the amount of energy they are paying for in their home, whether it is for heating or cooling. Without proper insulation it will escape via the roof. Expect to pay between $500 and $700 to insulate a 2,000-square foot home. According to experts, insulation can save you up to 25% on heating and cooling costs. Don’t forget to seal air leaks in your home. By simply filling in gaps around your windows and doors and sealing ducts, you can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling bill. Last but not least, always replace or clean your air filters. By doing this small task each season you can save 7% in electricity costs per year. For more energy saving tips, check out http://www.georgiapower.com/residential/homeSavingTips.asp.

Energy Tips to Help Put Money Back Into Your Pocket

Most showerheads use twice the water needed for a thorough, enjoyable shower. By installing low-flow shower heads and faucets it not only reduces the amount of money you will spend on water, it only take a few minutes to install and will also reduce the amount of money that you will spend on the electricity or gas that heats your water. Most faucet aerators will cost you about two dollars, and most low-flow shower heads cost around thirty dollars. By using these devices you will be able to re-coup these costs within one year of use. Plus, many utility companies offer their customers rebates for using these devices.  Check our local Cartersville water departments for more information. Some states have initiated laws that require water-saving toilets and showerheads be installed in new construction.

The best way to save money on your energy bills is to turn off lights that are not in use.  Another simply way is converting standard incandescent light bulbs to highly efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs. Since a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) will last six to twelve times longer and use up to 75% less energy than a regular bulb will, experts calculate that the purchase of one three dollar CFL will be re-payed in energy costs within three months of use.

If you’d like to get more natural light into your home, consider some of the basic daylighting materials and techniques available. Also, visit your local Cartersville area hardware stores, they provide you with even more helpful tips to put money in your pocket.  A few simple light-enhancing techniques can make nearly any home sparkle with tons of natural light.