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Georgia has received approximately $8.6 million in federal stimulus money which will allow Georgians to take advantage of rebates for purchasing certain Energy Star appliances. This rebate program begins on February 12th and below are a few guidelines on how we understand the program will work. Be sure to visit www.georgiarebate.com for full program details before purchasing your Energy Star appliance.

• The rebates will range from $25-$199.
• You must purchase an Energy Star appliance in person. A complete list of qualifying appliances can be found at www.georgiarebate.com.
• Purchases made before February 12th are not eligible.
• You can apply online at www.georgiarebate.com, and will need to mail the application confirmation with the sales receipt within 30 days of your online application.
• Rebates will be distributed in the form of a Visa prepaid debit card.

Labels: appliance, energy efficient, energy star, georgia, rebate

It can be costly to upgrade your insulation, replace windows or buy energy efficient appliances. In the long run, it's worth the money and you should try to set aside money to make these upgrades to your home. Between tax credits and money saved on energy bills, it's worth the investment. However, in these tough economic times, here are some tips that will help you save money without spending any money.

• Set thermostats to 78 degrees in summer and 68 degrees in winter.
• Close window coverings in the summer to maintain cooler temperatures.
• Open window coverings in the winter to allow the sun to heat your home.
• Do not block registers and vents with furniture, curtains or rugs.
• Set the temperature on your water heater no higher than 120 degrees.
• Not using a light - Turn it off!
• Unplug small appliances when not in use.
• Keep refrigerators full - it takes more energy to cool an empty fridge.
• Only run dishwashers and clothes washers when full.
• Wash laundry in cold water. If you must wash in warm or hot, always rinse with cold.
• Adjust water level in washing machine if you must wash a smaller load
• Don't let the water run while shaving or brushing your teeth.
• Clean the lint trap of the dryer before each load.
• Don't overload the dryer (I'm guilty of this one!!)

Labels: energy efficient, free, save money, tips

It's Earth Day, and the perfect time to start thinking about making your home more energy efficient, while ultimately saving money. Certain energy efficient home improvements made in 2009 are eligible for a tax credit. These improvements can add up to extra savings on your taxes and your energy bills. Take a look at some of the available credits:

• Windows and doors: 10 percent of the cost up to $200 or $500, respectively, on Energy Star labeled products
• Insulation: 10 percent of cost up to $500; must meet 2000 International Energy Conservation Code and amendments
• Roofing: 10 percent of cost up to $500 on Energy Star qualified roofs
• HVAC: Credit depends on type of system; system must meet certain minimum requirements
• Water Heaters: $300; must meet required energy factor

In most cases, installation costs are not included in the credit. Visit the Energy Star website at www.energystar.gov for additional credits and requirements. You will also find information on tax credits for home builders and deductions for commercial buildings.

Labels: earth day, energy efficient, energy star, tax credit

Certain energy efficient home improvements made in 2009 are eligible for a tax credit. These improvements can add up to extra savings on your taxes and your energy bills. Take a look at some of the available credits:

• Windows and doors: 10 percent of the cost up to $200 or $500, respectively, on Energy Star labeled products
• Insulation: 10 percent of cost up to $500; must meet 2000 International Energy Conservation Code and amendments
• Roofing: 10 percent of cost up to $500 on Energy Star qualified roofs
• HVAC: Credit depends on type of system; system must meet certain minimum requirements
• Water Heaters: $300; must meet required energy factor

In most cases, installation costs are not included in the credit. Visit the Energy Star website at www.energystar.gov for additional credits and requirements. You will also find information on tax credits for home builders and deductions for commercial buildings.

Labels: doors, energy efficient, energy star, home improvement, HVAC, installation, insulation, roof, tax credit, water heater, windows

The 2008 Georgia Exemption for Specific Energy & Water Efficient Products ends tomorrow. The Sales Tax Holiday began Thursday, October 2nd and runs through Sunday, October 5th. This Fall Sales Tax Holiday provides for an exemption for specific energy efficient products purchased during the stated time period. The exemption is limited to products with a purchase price of $1,500 or less that have been designated as meeting requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy Energy Star programs.

For updates and additional information about the Georgia Summer and Fall Sales Tax Holidays, including details about tax exempt and taxable items, visit: the Georgia Department of Revenue Web Site.

Labels: energy efficient, energy star, EPA, sales tax holiday, water efficient