Tax Credits

A number of tax credits are now available.

Below you will find information regarding tax credits, rebates and also weatherization offers. These are important programs to consider when making an energy- efficient upgrade, or if you are in need of some help to make your home more comfortable. To make sure you are applying for all necessary rebates and that you have the necessary information, visit www.dsireusa.org and www.energystar.gov. Contact your tax preparer for more information concerning tax credits, and your local Community Action Program for complete weatherization information.

Energy Star Tax Credits for Renewables And Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency (30 percent tax credit)

Air-source/mini-split heat pump(s): 16 SEER2 unit(s) or greater; $2,000 maximum.

Central AC: 16 SEER2 unit or greater; $600 maximum.

Gas Furnaces (Natural Gas, oil): AFUE ≥ 97 percent; $600 maximum.

Heat Pump Water Heaters: Must be Energy Star certified; $2,000 maximum.

Natural Gas Water Heaters: Uniform energy factor varies on tank type and size; $600 maximum.

Insulation: Weather stripping, spray foam, air-sealing caulk and house wrap; $1,200 maximum.

Windows and skylights: Must be Energy Star certified; $600 maximum.

Exterior doors: Must be Energy Star certified; $500 maximum. ($250 per door)

Clean Energy (30 percent tax credit)

Geothermal Heat Pumps: Must be Energy Star certified; no maximum.

Residential Solar: Must net meter; no rentals; includes solar water heating; no maximum.

Battery Storage: Must be 3 kwh or greater; no rentals; no maximum.

Fuel Cells: Must be .5 kw or greater and electricity-only generation efficiency of greater than 30 percent. Primary residence only; $500 per .5 kw maximum.

Program: Weatherization

Description: The Weatherization Assistance Program enables low income families to make their homes more energy efficient. Eligibility for this program has been increased to 200% over the poverty line.

The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the Stimulus Bill, has put money toward two programs that help make weatherization a possibility.

Your first option is to apply for a 30 percent tax credit (up to $1,500) for insulating, weather-stripping and sealing your home.

Information on what qualifies for the tax credit, as well as other instructions and guidelines, can be found at www.energystar.gov, keyword: tax credit.

The second way to weatherize your home is through the Weatherization Assistance Program, which is handled by Community Action programs across North Carolina. This program assists low-income residents of the community in making the necessary weatherization repairs.

Community Assistance programs focus on conducting an energy assessment to find the most cost-effective energy improvements that need to be performed. Typical services include:

• sealing air leaks,

• installing insulation in attics, floors and walls,

• sealing and insulating ducts,

• and replacing existing lighting with energy-efficient lighting.

When able, the program will perform tune-ups and repairs to heating and cooling systems. However, Community Action and its funding is not responsible for the replacement of heating/air conditioning units.
 

If you do qualify, please call the Community Action nearest you to learn more about what they can do to help make your home more energy friendly!

For information on weatherization opportunities contact Cumberland Community Action Program Inc. at 910-485-6131 (Cumberland and Sampson counties) or Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action at 919-934-2145 (Johnston) and 910-814-8360 (Harnett).