CLUNKER PROGRAMS

Now that Cash For Clunkers, called CARS - [Car Allowance Rebate System] by the government is officially over

(See here for who's still offering deals on new cars and find special offers and rebates available in your area: Click Here)

and you've dumped your gas-guzzling pick-up, maybe it's time to move that old fridge from the garage

APPLIANCE CLUNKERS

Lets move on to the Appliance Clunkers Program. The Department of Energy is sponsoring a $300 million program, funded by the economic stimulus plan hat will let consumers get a rebate on an EnergyStar-rated appliance. The program, also called SEEARP (State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program) does not require you to turn in your old appliance

Eligible appliances will provide consumers with between $50 and $200 towards the purchase of high-efficiency appliances, including dishwashers, boilers, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, furnaces, water heaters, and air-conditioning units. All fifty states have applied for the program, meaning that everyone from New York to Hawaii, coincidently the two most costly states for energy, will be able to take advantage of this stimulus program.

SO WHEN DOES THIS START?

The Energy Department has begun awarding funding for individual states. For e.g., Maryland is getting a $5.4 million slice and will run the program through the Maryland Energy Administration, Pennsylvania has also applied and is expected to receive $12 million

The program will be designed by individual states and U.S. territories, all of which are expected to participate. The final funding applications are due back to the Energy Department by the middle of October, which means that the rebates could be available later this year or early next year.

Details released by the goverment for this program can be accessed through the " RECOVERY ACT :State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP)

See below for currrent state programs and we will keep you posted of the offers across the States.

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In addition to these the Federal government provides several incentives for energy efficient appliances and Home Energy Efficiency improvements

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

FAQ on Insulation.

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

Windows & Doors Windows, Doors, 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, doors, and skylights qualify for tax credit.

More information

Storm Windows & Storm Doors 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.

Roofing Metal Roofs,
Asphalt Roofs All ENERGY STAR qualified metal and reflective asphalt shingles 30% of cost, up to $1,500¹

FAQ on Roofs.

HVAC Central A/C Split Systems:
SEER >= 16, EER >=13

Package systems:
SEER >= 14, EER >= 12 30% of cost, up to $1,500¹

FAQ on Central ACs.

FAQ on Air Source Heat Pumps.

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

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.

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

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

FAQ: What 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.

Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Energy Factor >= 2.0 30% of cost, up to $1,500¹Biomass 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 $1,500¹FAQ 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.

What about water-to-water geothermal heat pumps?

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.

STATE UTILITY PROGRAMS

Utilities around the country already offer rebate programs for moving to more efficient home equipment. An often-cited example is the California Energy Commission which has set strict efficiency standards for refrigerators and other equipment, which has helped keep per capita electricity consumption nearly steady since the 1970s.

Check here if your State/County offers rebate programs; http://www.dsireusa.org/

OTHER GOVERMENT PROGRAMS, GRANTS AND REBATES

http://www.energy.gov/recovery/funding.htm

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

http://www.recovery.gov/

Find your state recovery plans

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index