| It ain't easy being a homeowner. The country is in an | | | | away. No surprise, energy consumption goes up and |
| economic crisis, home prices have fallen, | | | | so does the monthly bill. |
| unemployment is high, and everything keeps getting | | | | Earn a $1,500 Tax Credit |
| more expensive. Especially the electric bill. | | | | Fortunately Uncle Sam doesn't want us wasting |
| There are lots of tips on how to cut down on the | | | | energy any more than we do. That's why the U.S. |
| bills, like installing energy efficient light bulbs and | | | | Government is offering tax credits for energy |
| installing energy efficient appliances. But what about | | | | efficient home improvements made through Dec. 31, |
| the biggest waster of energy - the garage door. | | | | 2010. You can claim a 30% tax credit on qualifying |
| Your Home's Biggest Energy Waster - The Garage | | | | home improvement costs. A tax credit is more |
| Door | | | | valuable than a tax deduction because it reduces |
| Insulation is used to keep the elements out and the | | | | your tax dollar for dollar. That means you can get up |
| comfortable temperature in. It doesn't matter how | | | | to $1,500 back from the government. |
| insulated a room is if you leave a window or door | | | | How do you identify an eligible garage door? When |
| open. Ever walk by a door and feel a draft? Chances | | | | shopping you need to check the model number to |
| are pretty good you try to insulate and cover up | | | | see if if qualifies. To help expedite the shopping |
| that draft real fast. But what about the garage door? | | | | experience you can check this comprehensive list by |
| It's often overlooked despite it being the biggest | | | | garage door manufacturer so you know exactly |
| door in our homes. | | | | what qualifies. You'll also need a certificate, different |
| Ever feel like you walked into a sauna when going in | | | | for each manufacturer, to prove you qualify. |
| your garage? It's because of your garage door. And | | | | You'll be out of pocket at first, but the energy |
| while most of us don't care about the temperature in | | | | savings will start to add up over time. But the $1,500 |
| our garage, we do care about the temperature in our | | | | tax credit certainly helps things. The credit is available |
| house. Rooms directly attached to the garage are | | | | until the end of 2010, so you have some time. |
| going to be colder/hotter as the garage siphons it | | | | |