The federal government continues to offer federal tax credits in
2013 to homeowners who take advantage of various energy star products in
order to make their homes more energy efficient. One of the best tax
incentives is for "Consumer Energy Efficiency" and encompasses
insulation, HVAC improvements, certain kinds of roofing and water
heaters. Although siding itself isn't listed as one of the materials
that you can get credit for, contractors know that most of their
customers will be able to get a tax break for the house wrap that's
installed beneath the vinyl or fiber cement because it is an approved
form of insulation.
How Much Credit Can Consumers Get For Insulation?
The government will give consumers credit for 10% of the cost of the insulating materials used, up to a maximum of $500 in 2013. There are several kinds of insulation that meet the federal guidelines, including: Batts, Expanding Sprays, Rolls, Rigid Board, Pour-In-Place and House Wrap. It's important to note that the government incentive for insulation only applies to existing homes that are the primary residence for the individuals applying for the tax break. It doesn't apply to summer residences, rental properties or new construction. But a savings of up to $500 on your federal return can be significant, particularly if you add additional energy efficient products to your residence. The cost of installing any insulation isn't included in the 10%, regardless of whether you do the work yourself or hire home improvement specialists or siding contractors to do the work for you.
Blown-In Insulation Vs. House Wrap And New Siding
One of the best insulating materials available is the blown-in foam variety, which should always be installed by a professional. If you have an older dwelling and want to seal the many air leaks and improve the comfort of your home year-round, blown-in foam can be installed between the walls with little or no damage to the interior walls. House Wrap is another insulating material that is extremely energy efficient, but it can only be installed when the current exterior material is removed and a new exterior material is installed. If you've been considering hiring siding contractors to install new vinyl or fiber cement siding on your home, be sure you ask them what kind of moisture barrier they will be installing to protect the frame of your residence. House wrap is the best choice for a moisture barrier and insulator and is eligible for the 2013 tax credit.
Do-It-Yourself Projects That Qualify
Homeowners can also earn the 10% credit up to $500 for smaller projects that they can tackle on their own, such as installing weather stripping or caulking that creates an air seal. For homeowners with drafty windows or doors, using eligible air seal products such as canned spray foam, certain kinds of caulk, or weather stripping is an easy way to improve their home's energy efficiency and get a tax credit at the same time.
If you're interested in having new vinyl or fiber cement siding installed on your house, this may be the best year to do it so that you can take advantage of the tax incentive in 2013. Contact your local siding contractors to learn about more ways to improve your home's energy efficiency.
How Much Credit Can Consumers Get For Insulation?
The government will give consumers credit for 10% of the cost of the insulating materials used, up to a maximum of $500 in 2013. There are several kinds of insulation that meet the federal guidelines, including: Batts, Expanding Sprays, Rolls, Rigid Board, Pour-In-Place and House Wrap. It's important to note that the government incentive for insulation only applies to existing homes that are the primary residence for the individuals applying for the tax break. It doesn't apply to summer residences, rental properties or new construction. But a savings of up to $500 on your federal return can be significant, particularly if you add additional energy efficient products to your residence. The cost of installing any insulation isn't included in the 10%, regardless of whether you do the work yourself or hire home improvement specialists or siding contractors to do the work for you.
Blown-In Insulation Vs. House Wrap And New Siding
One of the best insulating materials available is the blown-in foam variety, which should always be installed by a professional. If you have an older dwelling and want to seal the many air leaks and improve the comfort of your home year-round, blown-in foam can be installed between the walls with little or no damage to the interior walls. House Wrap is another insulating material that is extremely energy efficient, but it can only be installed when the current exterior material is removed and a new exterior material is installed. If you've been considering hiring siding contractors to install new vinyl or fiber cement siding on your home, be sure you ask them what kind of moisture barrier they will be installing to protect the frame of your residence. House wrap is the best choice for a moisture barrier and insulator and is eligible for the 2013 tax credit.
Do-It-Yourself Projects That Qualify
Homeowners can also earn the 10% credit up to $500 for smaller projects that they can tackle on their own, such as installing weather stripping or caulking that creates an air seal. For homeowners with drafty windows or doors, using eligible air seal products such as canned spray foam, certain kinds of caulk, or weather stripping is an easy way to improve their home's energy efficiency and get a tax credit at the same time.
If you're interested in having new vinyl or fiber cement siding installed on your house, this may be the best year to do it so that you can take advantage of the tax incentive in 2013. Contact your local siding contractors to learn about more ways to improve your home's energy efficiency.
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