Federal Tax Credits For

Energy Efficient Products

Not all ENERGY STAR products qualify for the tax credit

• These tax credits are available for a number of products at the highest efficiency levels, which typically cost much more than standard products.

• ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time (5 yrs or less), without a tax credit.

Two Types of Tax Credits

• Energy Efficient Products – 30% up to $1,500

• Renewable energy products (solar, wind)– 30% with no upper limit

30% up to $1,500 total:

• Windows and Doors• Insulation• Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)• HVAC• Water Heaters (non-solar)• Biomass Stoves* in 2009 & 2010 * ONLY for existing homes, (NOT new

construction) that are your principle residence

Windows

• Through May 31, 2009: all ENERGY STAR windows qualify. Must be purchased by May 31, 2009.

• Beginning June 1, 2009: criteria is U-factor <= 0.3 and SHGC <= 0.3

Heating and Cooling Equipment

• Central Air Conditioner– SEER >=16, EER >=13

• Air Source Heat Pump– SEER >=15, EER >= 12.5, HSPF >= 8.5

• Natural Gas or Propane Furnace– AFUE >= 95

Leaky Air Ducts

$1,500 Total

• $1,500 tax credit is a total combined credit for ALL tax years (2009 & 2010).

• Basically you can spend up to $5,000 during this 2 year period on a single or multiple improvements, and get 30% (or $1,500) back as a tax credit.

• If you get the entire $1,500 credit in 2009, then you can't get anything additional in 2010.

Renewables

30% with no upper limit

30% with no upper limit:

• Geothermal Heat Pumps• Solar Panels• Solar Water Heater• Small Wind Energy Systems• Fuel Cells (up to $500 per .5 kW of power)*** through 2016 * for existing homes & new construction* does not have to be your principle residence,

vacation homes are eligible too**no vacation homes for fuel cells

Installation costs 

ARE COVERED FOR:• HVAC (Heating,

Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems

• Biomass Stoves • Water Heaters (including

solar) • Solar Panels • Geothermal Heat Pumps • Wind Energy Systems • Fuel Cells

ARE NOT COVERED FOR:• Windows • Doors • Insulation • Roofs 

More Information:

• energystar.gov/taxcredits

• FAQs on energystar.gov

Home Star Retrofit Rebate Program

• Legislation (pending / not passed by congress yet)– Intent to stimulate job growth by creating homeowner demand – incentives scaled to promote home performance

• Silver Star– Homeowner incentives for prescriptive improvement – $1000 per measure; up to $3000 per household

• Gold Star– Homeowner incentives for performance based improvements – $3000 for a 20% reduction in energy use; $1000 for each

additional 5% reduction– Meets HPwES – existing program sponsors well positioned to be

rebate aggregators

Program structure

ContractorContractor

ConsumerConsumer

Start: Work is performed & consumer pays contractor/provider less the rebate amount

Rebate Aggregator

Rebate AggregatorQA ProviderQA Provider

Program Administrator (DOE) Program Administrator (DOE)

1. Rebate Submitted

2. Rebate Submitted (batch)3. Rebate Paid (batch)

4. Rebate Reimbursed

5. Coordinate Inspection/Results

Inspectors6. In the field Inspections on

Performance &Check for Program

Requirements