While it is too late to take advantage of the Texas Trade Up Appliances Rebate Program, which provided rebates to homeowners who purchased new energy efficient freezers, refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, room air conditions, central air conditioners, air-source heat pumps and hot water heaters, you will be glad to know that there are still several credits and rebate programs that you can take advantage of if you are interested in making your home more “green.” In fact, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, you can enjoy several tax incentives, while the city of Austin and its local businesses also have great eco-friendly programs available to residents.

Some of the federal programs that you might choose to take advantage of include:
* Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax Credits – provided to consumers who purchase and install specific items, including energy-efficient doors, windows, insulation, heating and cooling equipment and roofs. The credit is worth 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, and is available through December 31, 2010.
* Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credits – available to consumers who install solar energy systems, geothermal heat pumps, small wind systems, microturbine systems and residential fuel cells. The credit is worth 30% of the cost and is available through December 31, 2016.
* Automobile Tax Credits – hybrid gas-electric cars and trucks are eligible for a tax credit if purchased on or before December 31, 2010. The amount of the credit is dependent upon the vehicle’s fuel economy.

Federal tax credits aren’t the only eco-friendly credits and rebates that Austin residents can take advantage of, however, as Austin Energy also offers the Power Saver Program to the city’s residents. Through this program, residents who install a new Solar Water Heater in their homes enjoy rebates ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 as well as a 30% tax credit, resulting in a total net savings of $2,250 to $3,000. Of course, thanks to the cost-effectiveness of going solar, residents will also enjoy an energy savings after installing one of these water heaters. To be eligible for the credits, the solar water heater must be certified through the Solar Rating Certification Corporation (SRCC) and all installations must be completed by a licensed contractor and meet all applicable codes.

The bottom line is that eco-friendly tax credits and rebates are regularly Cialis being offered to Austin residents as well as to residents of the United States. Therefore, if you are considering going green, or if it is simply time to replace certain appliances or other structures in your home, be sure to look into the current eco-friendly incentives that are in place. You just might be able to purchase the green equipment you are interested in buying while saving putting a little more green back into your wallet as well.

Author Bio: Jim Olenbush works in the Austin real estate industry. His team sells central Brand Levitra Austin real estate, and they are also very experienced with the Lake Travis area. Jim and his team would love to answer any questions you may have about Austin.

Category: Home/Home Improvement
Keywords: tax credits, energy rebates, green upgrades, incentives