Energy-efficiency credits available from the stimulus package on clarkhoward.com

Clark has frequently spoken out against the $787 billion stimulus effort, but from time to time he talks about some of its provisions that can actually benefit you.

These include some very appealing tax credits that you can get for making your home more energy efficient.

First, there's a $1,500 tax credit in place for this year and next that applies to insulation for your doors, windows, roof, HVAC, water heater, etc.

Second, there a special credit in place for the next 7 years -- with no dollar limit -- where the federal government will cover 30% of the cost for installation of geo-thermal, solar or wind-energy technology.

The consumer champ himself is considering installing a solar water heater at his home. We'll let you know how it goes.

What others are saying

tax credit - dent and saving
It does make a dent but with the 30% no cap tax credits it helps significantly. Either solar or geothermal are great investments. If you plan to stay in your house 5 years or longer. You will see the return on investment and also continue to enjoy the saving. In addition to reducing america's dependence on foreign oil. All makes sense to me!!
By Richard @ 06/16/09 02:24:12 PMreport abuse
Solar Water Heaters in Atlanta
I found a big company that installs Solar Water Heaters. I visited their show room and it looks great. The tax credits cover 65% of the investment and the pay back is within 4 years. Check their website : www.georgiasolarsolutions.com
By Ron Smith @ 03/25/09 01:47:05 AMreport abuse
Re: Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps can be a good system for certain areas of the country. It also depends upon the local, underground conditions of where it will be installed. The decision of whether it is a good choice or not should be left up to a professional.
By SH @ 03/24/09 01:14:35 PMreport abuse
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Clark!! You said geothermal heat pumps are a bad investment. You couldnt have been more wrong. Research before you speak. My company installes them and just Friday before I heard your show I was doing the paperwork for a $3000.00 utility rebate to go along with the 30% tax credit. She told me her January bill was $150.00 for a four thousand square foot home with lots of glass. If thats a bad investment, whats better?
By Todd @ 03/23/09 05:23:00 PMreport abuse
Solar water heater
Interesting that Clark is considering a solar water heater, and I'm eagerly awaiting more information on the results. I'd like to replace my old water heater before it breaks down. I researched solar and found more and more contractors are doing solar now, and even though it costs a lot more, the tax credit plus the energy savings make the return on investment look much better than before. The credit makes all the difference - it wouldn't have made sense without it. Definitely worth looking into.
By Sydney @ 03/23/09 04:50:57 PMreport abuse
tax credit
Our A/C unit died. We plan to replace it with a unit that will give us the tax credit. Our previous unit was about 14 years old. The new 15.5 SEER unit will be much more efficient and will reduce our electric bills. We feel that the increased cost for the unit (over a lower SEER unit) will pay for itself in savings and the tax credit.
By D @ 03/23/09 01:09:42 PMreport abuse
Tax credit
My Husband and i or on VA disability and SSD, or we eligible for tax credit even if we don't have to file taxes.We would like to look into yhe energy efficiency if we're eligible.
By Margaret A. B @ 03/22/09 03:53:51 PMreport abuse
tax credit
Sounds good but I bet the cost to do all those energy efficient projects will put a dent in your pocket book to the tune of 4 to 10,000 dollars.
By Tim @ 03/20/09 10:52:41 PMreport abuse

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Mar 20, 2009 -- Energy-efficiency credits available from the stimulus package

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