The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signed on February 17, 2009, by President Obama has made significant changes to homeowner tax credits for specified energy-efficient home improvements such as high efficiency heating and air conditioning systems. The tax credit for qualifying energy improvements has been modified from $300 to 30% of the full purchase and installation price up to a maximum credit of $1500. In addition these tax credits for 2009 have been extended through Dec. 31, 2010.

For more information on the bill, check out the U.S. Department of Energy website.

SoCal Gas Rebates on High Efficiency Gas Furnaces

Natural Gas customers of SoCal Gas gas qualify for a $200 rebate when you purchase selected Energy Star rated furnaces from Fairweather Heating and Air Conditioning.

For more information on the the SoCal rebate program click here.

What is a tax credit?

A Energy Tax Credit is not received when you buy the product, like an instant rebate. A Tax Credit on Water Heaters is claimed on your federal income tax form at the end of the year. The credit then increases the tax refund you receive or decreases the amount paid in.

Tax credits vs. tax deductions.

In general, a tax credit is more valuable than a similar tax deduction. A tax credit reduces the tax you pay, dollar-for-dollar. Tax deductions, such as those for home mortgages and charitable giving, for example, lower your taxable income. If you are in the 30 percent tax bracket, your income tax is reduced by 30 percent of the value of a tax deduction. But a tax credit reduces your federal income tax by 100 percent of the amount of the credit.

For more information on Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency, click here.