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SUMMARY OF TAX CREDITS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Product Category

Product Type

Tax Credit Specification

Tax Credit

Notes

Insulation

Insulation

Meets 2009 IECC & Amendments

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

For insulation to qualify, its primary purpose must be to insulate (example: insulated siding does not qualify).

Check to see if you have Home Performance with ENERGY STAR in your areas. Adding insulation to your home is covered.

Windows & Doors

Exterior Windows and Skylights

Before June 1, 2009:
Must meet ENERGY STAR criteria

After June 1, 2009:
U factor <= 0.30

SHGC <= 0.30

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

Not all ENERGY STAR labeled windows and skylights qualify for tax credit.

More information

Storm Windows

In combination with the exterior window over which it is installed:

  1. has a U-factor and SHGC of 0.30 or below
  2. Meets the IECC

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on storm doors and storm windows.

Exterior Doors

Before June 1, 2009:
Must meet ENERGY STAR criteria

After June 1, 2009:
U factor <= 0.30

SHGC <= 0.30

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

Not all ENERGY STAR doors will qualify.

More information

Storm Doors

In combination with a wood door over which it is installed:

  1. has a U-factor and SHGC of 0.30 or below
  2. Meets the IECC

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on storm doors and storm windows.

Roofing

Metal Roofs,
Asphalt Roofs

All ENERGY STAR qualified metal and reflective asphalt shingles

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on roofs that qualify for the tax credit

HVAC

Central A/C

Split Systems:
EER >=13
SEER >= 16

Package systems:
EER >= 12
SEER >= 14

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on Central ACs that qualify for the tax credit

FAQ on Air Source Heat Pumps that qualify for the tax credit

Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. View ENERGY STAR criteria.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Split Systems:
HSPF >= 8.5
EER >= 12.5
SEER >= 15

Package systems:
HSPF >= 8
EER >= 12
SEER >= 14

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

Natural Gas or Propane Furnace

AFUE >= 95

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on Furnaces and Boilers that qualify for the tax credit

Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. View ENERGY STAR criteria for furnaces, boilers.

Oil Furnace

AFUE >= 90

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler

AFUE >= 90

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan

No more than 2% of furnace total energy use.

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

Read this FAQ if the fan qualifies, but the furnace does not.

Water Heaters

Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater

Energy Factor >= 0.82
or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on Water Heaters that qualify for the tax credit

View ENERGY STAR criteria for water heaters.

Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Energy Factor >= 2.0

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

Biomass Stove

Biomass Stove

Stove which burns biomass fuel to heat a home or heat water.

Thermal efficiency rating of at least 75% as measured using a lower heating value.

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on biomass stoves.

Geo-Thermal Heat Pump

Geo-Thermal Heat Pump

Same criteria as ENERGY STAR:

Closed Loop:
EER >= 14.1
COP >= 3.3

Open Loop:
EER >= 16.2
COP >= 3.6

Direct Expansion:
EER >= 15
COP >= 3.5

30% of the cost

All ENERGY STAR geo-thermal heat pumps qualify for the tax credit.

Must be “placed into service” before December 31, 2016.

Solar Energy Systems

Solar Water Heating

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).

30% of cost

All ENERGY STAR solar water heaters qualify for the tax credit.

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.

30% of cost

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Small Wind Energy Systems

Residential Small Wind Turbines

Has nameplate capacity of not more than 100 kilowatts.

30% of cost

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Fuel Cells

Residential Fuel Cell and microturbine system

Efficiency of at least 30% and must have a capacity of at least 0.5 kW.

30% of the cost, up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Cars

Hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles

 

Based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models

There is a 60,000 vehicle limit per manufacturer before a phase-out period begins. Toyota and Honda have already been phased out. Credit is still available for Ford, GM and Nissan.

For more information visit: Fueleconomy.gov Exit ENERGY STAR

Use IRS Form 8910 PDFExit ENERGY STARfor hybrid vehicles purchased for personal use.

Use IRS Form 3800 PDFExit ENERGY STARfor hybrid vehicles purchased for business purposes.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

 

$2,500–$7,500

The first 250,000 vehicles sold get the full tax credit (then it phases out like the hybrid vehicle tax credits).

Effective January 1, 2009.