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Home Improvements: Energy savings with Tax deductions. Find out what you can take advantage of in 2009

I just found some information on how to save tax money in 2009. These types of incentives are great - but I was bummed to realize that both Betty and I have made some home improvements in 2008 that will not qualify. Dang-it! Ted did a big insulation and roofing job this year, and Betty installed new windows. But since the work was done in 2008 we don't qualify for the savings. When every dollar counts, this one hits hard.

I pulled this information from a blog called The Daily Green. Ted and I need to sit down and plan for 2009 so that we can maximize our efforts. We have many plans for solar, wind and green roofing. But all of these efforts require time and money. (Ted is in construction, so we usually handle our own home improvements.)

The information below is bitter sweet. Glad to see there are incentives, but really bummed that I can't take advantage of them because I acted too soon.

1. $500 for energy efficiency
   If you can, wait until Jan. 1 to install new insulation, energy-efficient windows or an energy-efficient furnace, boiler or air conditioner.

   A tax credit of up to $500 that expired in 2007 has been renewed for 2009. It covers up to 10% of the cost of a range of projects that meet certain specifications. Do $5,000 worth of qualifying work, and you not only get a $500 rebate, but also savings on energy bills for years to come.

   Why wait? Of course, the heating season begins before Jan. 1, giving homeowners facing a northern winter reason to invest now — but because Congress had let the tax credit lapse, work done in 2008 doesn't qualify.

Also note these important limits, which cap the amount you can claim for any particular project:

• Windows: $200
• Exterior doors, roofing or insulation: $500
• Most heating, ventilation and air-conditioning improvements: $300
• Furnaces or hot water heaters: $150

We want to learn more about how homeowners can retro-fit their homes to be more sustainable without breaking the bank. If you have information on this - a website to share - or know of a person that can address this topic, please share. We are looking for speakers and this is a great topic to cover.