If you're remodeling or building a new home and think all energy conservation or green choices are going to cost you more money, you may want to read this first. Many utility companies, local, state, and even federal government agencies offer cash incentives to those implementing alternative energy choices.
Going green can be less expensive than you think when you take into account some of the cash incentives being offered for those who build and remodel with greener alternatives than the conventional choices. Right now, alternative energy sources and the equipment needed to use them are in the early adopter stages, when costs are higher for all concerned. That’s because the early adopter costs include development and deployment costs. In order to encourage more people to jump on the bandwagon, utility companies and governments are offering rebates and incentives to those who are willing to be part of the brae new world of greener resources. These are just a few of the programs and incentives that might be out there for you.
Federal Tax IncentivesOn the federal level there are a number of programs that offer incentives for going greener in your home. Many of these are aimed at corporate taxpayers rather than residential ones, but there are some that offer incentives available to home owners.
In addition, there are incentives for residential builders for meeting conservation goals that can return $1,000 to $2,000 in rebates for each residence built that meets specific guidelines.
State Tax CreditSince 1997, Florida has exempted renewable energy systems from state sales and use tax. Renewable energy systems include any system that uses solar, wind or other renewable energy sources instead of more conventional power sources like electricity, gas or oil. The products or systems that you can get a tax rebate or credit for include alternative energy cars, solar space heaters, solar water heaters, solar pool heaters, photovoltaic systems, refueling systems, ethanol and biodiesel. If you refit your car to use an alternative to conventional gas or diesel, you can get a return of any tax that you paid on it. The same goes for replacing your conventional pool heater with a solar pool heater, or installing a tankless solar water heater.
State Rebate ProgramIn addition to the tax rebate, you may also be eligible for a Florida rebate program if you install a solar hot water heater, solar pool heater or photovoltaic electricity cells before June 20, 2010. The rebates include $500 for solar water heaters, $100 for solar pool heaters and a pro-rated amount for photovoltaic (PV) systems with a maximum amount of $20,000 for residential installations and $100,000 for non-residential installations. The amount is dependent on the wattage rating of the system.
You can get more information about Florida state rebate and incentive programs at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection web site.
Utilities Pitch In with RebatesIn nearly every area of the country, the major utilities offer some sort of rebate or other incentive to encourage their customers to move toward greener equipment. Here in the Tampa area both Tampa Electric and People’s Gas offer rebates when you replace your existing equipment with more energy efficient equipment in your home.
Tampa Electric offers rebates when you replace your heat pump with one that works more efficiently. The rebates range from $100 to $250. In addition, because a great deal of energy is lost when air seeps out of leaky ducts or broken seals, Tampa Electric offers home ductwork inspections for $79. The flat rate includes any repairs and the installation of one flexible duct up to 25 feet in length. In addition, they’ll pay you up to $100 when you install ceiling insulation. All of these are recommended measures for reaching maximum energy efficiency in your home. Finally, if you’re building a new home, you may qualify for even more rebates and incentives.
Find out more about Tampa Electric rebates at their Energy Plus website page.
People’s Gas also offers rebates and incentives to customers who upgrade their current equipment to more efficient versions. The rebates are available when you replace your current water heater, heating system, cooling system, cooking appliances, clothes dryer and space heaters with more energy efficient gas appliances. The rebate amount varies according to the appliance or system, and whether your convert from electricity or upgrade from an existing gas appliance. In addition, People’s Gas also offers rebates to builders doing new construction, which can lower the cost of your home if you’re building new.
Learn more about residential rebates at People’s Gas website, on the Residential Conservation Page. Learn more about builder rebates at People’s Gas website, Builder Conservation Page.
Most other utility companies throughout the country offer similar incentive programs. Check with your electric and gas providers to find out what rebates are available to help you with the expenses of going greener.
Live Green and Save
Living green and saving money don't always seem to go together, but living green doesn't mean you have to spend thousands of dollars on expensive solar systems. Here are few free, and low-cost, things you can do around the home to minimize your environmental impact.Practical Tips to Make Moving Easier
If you’re planning to move house in the near future, chances are you’re already groaning at the thought of organizing a move. But don’t worry—moving doesn’t have to be a complete nightmare. Check out these practical tips and make your next move smooth and trouble-free.Salt and Chlorine Pools: Which is Best?
For those of us who don’t enjoy swimming in chlorinated water, it’s good to know that there’s an alternative available. Salt water swimming pools are increasingly popular, but how safe are they? Salt or chlorine—which does a better job at keeping your pool clean?