5 Ways to Get Cash Back by Greening Your Home
Did you know that greening up your home can earn you green? Whether through government subsidies or company rebates, you can get cash back for your environmental efforts in a number of ways.
If you haven’t already switched from incandescent lighting to compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, now is the time. At many stores, you’ll receive an instant rebate for your purchase. Translation: the rebate is already factored into the cost, which means you don’t have to fill out any forms and wait for reimbursement. And because CFLs last longer and use less energy than incandescent bulbs, you’ll save on your power bill, too.
Install a solar water heating system that meets the requirements of the Solar Rating Certification Corporation to receive a 30% federal tax credit. This credit goes towards labor of installation as well as the cost of the system.
Replace old appliances with those that are energy efficient and receive significant rebates on qualified products like washers and refrigerators. If you purchase these products from Sears, their Blue Appliance Crew will help you file your rebates online right in the store. Just make sure to recycle your old appliances when the new ones arrive.
Add insulation to your home and receive a federal tax credit for 30% of material costs.
Did you know that you waste approximately five gallons of water every time you flush the toilet? If you aren’t up for living by the “if it’s yellow, let it mellow” rule, just install a low-flow toilet. A lot of local utility services offer a rebate to replace your toilet with a high-efficiency alternative.
To find out where you can receive rebates on green appliances and products in your area, visit Green Made Simple. Check out Energy Star’s comprehensive list of federal tax credits for energy efficient home improvements.
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8 Comments
May 16th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Thanks for the tips. Love the point about the solar water heating system. We are looking into installing a solar system that sits on our roof and generates electricity during the day for the night.
May 16th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Great ideas, there are a couple that I still need to do.
Miguel’s last blog post..Beauty Secrets:Free Giveways!
May 17th, 2009 at 7:59 am
We should all be switching to low-energy light bulbs. However, it always frustrates me when I’m advised to insulate my attic or install a solar hot water heater. It’s all very well for owner-occupiers, but it’s no good for landlords and tenants. Renters can’t carry out this sort of work and wouldn’t get the benefit long term if they did. Landlords have no financial incentive because they won’t benefit from the reduced bills. It seems to me there’s a good argument to be made for governments to step in and pass laws in the case of rented properties.
Caitlin’s last blog post..Where in the world have you been?
May 17th, 2009 at 9:04 am
I think rebates also are still available for solar panels which I would love to have installed. I’ve heard from friends who have them that they no longer have energy bills to speak of. Also, I’ve heard the LED lighting is much better than the fluorescent because of the mercury in the latter. It would be great if more vendors carried them.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Great tips Tina. Some more helpful tax tips for going green at Re-Nest: http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest.....010-084834
May 18th, 2009 at 11:53 am
You would think that everyone has heard these five tips before, yet millions have never taken the time to pursue these great opportunities to be green – thanks for the reminders!
Global Patriot’s last blog post..10 Ways to Change the World Through Social Media
May 18th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Working on the updated insulation and not the right space for solar in my shady lot.
Does anyone notice that CFL’s don’t last as long as they say?
May 19th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
To save on heating and air conditioning, HVAC systems are very effective. Nowadays, people are more likely to install HVAC systems in their houses because it can help them save up electricity consumptions and increases comfort rates in your home.
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