The system uses a simple principle – the exchange of heat between the ground and a residential unit. This kind of installation is suitable for nearly every geographic location. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this system is one of the most energy-efficient and environmentally clean space heating options that the market has to offer.

Incentives Available

An energy efficient home tax credit is available for anyone who executes this kind of project in the years until 2016.

The amount provided is 30 percent of the cost of qualifying equipment and the personal tax credit is available for a residential unit that is used as a primary home, a vacation place or a secondary residence.

Environmental Benefits

Heating, cooling and the use of hot water systems contribute to nearly 40 percent of the US carbon dioxide emissions, the US Department of Energy reports.

A geothermal heat pump system does not burn fossil fuel for the maintenance of a comfortable temperature in a residential unit. As a result, their environmental impact is limited and such systems will also provide higher quality of air inside the residential unit.

Energy Savings

The cost of buying a geothermal heat pump system is still relatively high in comparison to other heating and cooling options that the market has to offer. This kind of system, however, can produce serious energy savings in the long run.

The installation of a geothermal system can reduce the electricity consumption connected to heating and cooling by anywhere between 40 and 70 percent. On an annual basis, a household can save between 400 and 1000 dollars on the electricity bill. It’s easy to see how the investment will pay itself off in the years to come.

It’s also important to know that geothermal heat pump systems are more durable and long-lived than traditional air conditioning units. This is yet another reason why this kind of investment makes sense and why its popularity is growing all the time.

Suitable for Any Kind of Residential Unit

Unlike other heating and cooling systems, geothermal heat pump installations can be used in small spaces.

There are no fuel storage requirements for these systems, meaning that the amount of space necessary for the placement of the unit is limited.

The geothermal heat pump provides a lot of design flexibility, which is why the system can be installed in a new house or a property that has been constructed years ago. The system is very easy to conceal, thus enhancing the aesthetic appeal of residential property.

There is no rooftop equipment, which maintains the architectural integrity of the building. A geothermal heating system can be used at historic location or older properties without affecting their appearance and causing unpleasant anachronisms connected to the placement of outdoor equipment close to the house.

Considering this kind of energy efficient home improvement? The installation of a geothermal heat pump system brings a number of advantages that go beyond the availability of an energy efficient home tax credit. Such systems are becoming more popular and more accessible as time passes, which is why you should definitely give this project some careful consideration.

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Considering a new project for your residential property that will enable you to qualify for an energy efficient home tax credit? Getting started with such improvements will result in various additional cost benefits.

Some Interesting Statistics

The average US household consumed 903 kilowatt hours of electric energy per month during 2012. The average monthly electricity bill was 107.28 dollars, which contributed to an average of almost 1300 dollars per year.

The sum went up in 2013 – the annual electricity bill average reached 2,000 dollars during that year.

Smart energy usage and a number of energy efficient projects can lead to serious reductions in these annual figures. Planning for the unique needs of your family and keeping the energy efficient home tax credit in mind will make it easier for you to choose.

Insulation Projects

Choosing the right kind of insulation for your residential property will decrease the amount of heat loss, which will ultimately result in lower HVAC costs. Roll insulation is one of the varieties used most commonly and it is widely available in all parts of the US.

The professional execution of such a project can easily decrease home heating and cooling expenses by nearly 20 percent. Keep in mind that heating and cooling contributes to anywhere between 50 and 70 percent of the US household’s electricity bill.

There are other insulation possibilities that can be chosen depending on the part of the house that will need to be insulated, what your budget is and what level of accessibility the particular place grants.

Photovoltaic Installations

Solar panels generate “clean” energy for the sun. This is one of the residential projects executed most commonly by individuals interested in getting an energy efficient home tax credit.

This kind of installation will deliver significant cost benefits. Here is an interesting infographic that pinpoints exactly how much can be saved through the execution of such a project. The national monthly saving average is 84 dollars. Over a 20-year period, the average solar system will deliver savings of 20,060 dollars on the average.

Residential Wind Turbine Installations

The use of wind for energy generation is still somewhat uncommon but this project will also result in significant savings and cost benefits over the long run.

The amount you will be capable of saving will depend on your location and the type of installation that you choose. Local electricity rates will also impact the cost benefits of installing wind turbines. The payback period for residential systems ranges from anywhere between six and 15 years.

Choosing the best energy efficiency improvement will depend on several factors. The local weather, the location of your house and the amount of money you are interested in saving will all play a role. No matter which option you choose, however, you will notice some significant reduction in your utility bills right from the start.

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Solar panels rank among the most popular possibilities for residential sustainability. The market has a lot to offer in terms of photovoltaic system parameters. What does it take to select the best possibility for your home?

Types of Solar Panels

If you are interested in improvements that will give you access to an energy efficient home tax credit, solar panel installation is one of the most popular picks. This kind of project will give you access to an energy efficiency tax incentive in the years until 2016.

For a start, you will need to understand the differences between solar panel varieties.

The market has four varieties to offer: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, hybrid and amorphous silicon solar panels.

Monocrystalline panels are more expensive than the polycrystalline variety but they deliver 13 to 17 percent efficiency in comparison to the 11 to 15 percent efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels.

Hybrid panels combine different technologies to boost the efficiency to 17+ percent. These panel varieties tend to be even more expensive than the monocrystalline panels. Amorphous silicone panels are much lighter than the other varieties but their efficiency rate is lower in comparison to other possibilities.

Evaluation of the Site

The availability of sunlight is obviously determining for the selection of this possibility and the creation of a photo-voltaic residential system.

The amount of electricity generated from such systems is highest in the southwestern part of the US. A solar site analysis can be performed in advance to figure out whether this energy efficient home tax incentive improvement is the best one for you.

The tilt of the roof and the orientation are two other location factors that will need to be examined in advance.

Finding a Good Solar Company

The contractors that you are going to work with on the execution of your photovoltaic system project will also determine satisfaction with the final outcome. Make sure you are hiring experienced professionals that will understand your individual preferences.

Some salesmen will exaggerate the potential savings and the efficiency of such systems. Do your research in advance and before communicating with solar company reps. Knowing what to expect will make it much easier for you to differentiate between facts and commercial manipulations.

Next, you will need to get a written proposal that will include information about the cost of the installation and the expect savings in the years to come. You will need to compare the parameters of several quotes side by side in order to make up your mind.

Solar panel systems can save you money and guarantee the energy independence of your home while minimizing its carbon footprint. The investment in such installations is still significant, which is why you need to do your research and pick the possibility that addresses your needs in the most adequate and cost-efficient way.

The post A Guide to Choosing the Best Residential Solar Panel System appeared first on Claris Energy.

Whether you are looking for an energy efficient new homes tax incentive or you are planning improvements in the property that you already own and live in, there are several key features you need to be aware of before getting started.

Basic Energy Efficient Home Tax Incentive Requirements

To qualify for this type of energy efficient home incentive, you will need to purchase and install any kind of equipment that is qualifying for the program. The equipment should remain installed in the property for a period of at least five years.

Keep in mind that the requirements for this kind of tax incentive change on an annual basis. The conditions for 2014, for example, applied to all kinds of energy efficiency and home sustainability improvements that were completed during 2013.

Efficiency improvements in the building envelope of existing property, the purchase of high efficiency water heating equipment, as well as the purchase of high efficiency home heating and cooling equipment all qualify for the tax incentive.

Types of Home Improvements that Qualify

Now that you understand the basic requirements of qualifying for an energy efficient home tax incentive, it is time to take an in-depth look at the type of equipment that you can purchase for the purpose.

When it comes to building envelope improvements for existing homes, you need to focus on insulation projects that reduce the heating and cooling costs. Modernization of the exterior doors and windows, as well as the installation of pigmented metal roofs will also qualify for the energy efficient home incentive.

You can also look for energy efficient home heating and cooling equipment or water heating equipment. Apart from reducing your electricity bills significantly, this kind of improvement will also qualify you for a tax incentive.

Some types of equipment you should consider purchasing for your home include:

• An electric heat pump water heater (it should have energy factor of at least 2.0)
• Biomass stoves
• Natural gas or propane furnace/water boiler (that has annual fuel utilization of 95 or more)
• Natural gas or propane water heater that has thermal efficiency of 90 percent or more
• Central air conditioners
• Advanced main air circulating fans

A Few Additional Tips

When thinking about such improvements, calculate the amount of money you will be saving on utility bills. This aspect of purchasing energy efficiency equipment is even more important than qualifying for an energy efficient home tax incentive.

All of the equipment should have been purchased and installed during the previous year. You will otherwise fail qualifying for the incentives when you file your taxes.

You can also look for rebates. There are various kinds of financial incentives that go beyond tax incentives. Acquaint yourself with the possibilities in advance and make careful plans on the basis of the preliminary calculations.

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