Tax Credits for Energy-Efficiency Home Upgrades
Take advantage of tax credits
Energy efficiency is one of the few investments that provides a guaranteed return, and now is a great time to take advantage of tax incentives for installing or upgrading energy-efficient products in your home.
Energy-efficiency tax credits for existing homes
• 10 percent of the cost up to $500 total (some equipment such as windows and water heating systems have lower individual cost caps)
• Must be installed by Dec. 31, 2011
• Eligible equipment includes Energy Star-qualified heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); insulation; and windows and doors. Get more information on the Energy Star website .
Renewable energy tax credits for existing homes
• 30 percent of cost with no upper limit
• Must be installed by Dec. 31, 2016
• Eligible equipment includes Energy Star-qualified solar energy systems and geothermal heat pumps. Get more information on the Energy Star website.
Additional resources
• Independent information on federal income tax incentives for energy-efficiency products and technologies: Tax Incentives Assistance Project.
• Details on qualifying equipment: Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency.
• Comprehensive list of state and federal policies and incentives such as tax credits: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency .
Disclaimer: This page provides some general guidelines concerning tax credits, but it’s important that you consult a tax professional for your specific needs.