Energy Star Tax Credit Info for Indiana Homeowners

According to updated information found on the Energy Star website, consumers can get tax credits for buying windows, doors, water heaters and other products (including some cars) which promote energy efficiency. In some cases, homeowners may even be able to get a credit for products which have already been installed and meet updated guidelines.

But there is the catch - just because a product is labeled Energy Star does not mean it is eligible for a tax credit. Homeowners need to carefully read and research the website info and make sure heaters, cars and windows meet minimum energy efficiency standards - as of now.

Which Indiana Energy Star Star Products May Also Qualify for Tax Credits?

As noted above, certain high efficiency products may qualify for a tax credit. In short, there are no guarantees and Indiana homeowners need to do their research. They should also know that Energy Star items are likely to cost more than standard products but could result in savings over time.

I was intrigued when I discovered that some water heaters, cars and even furnaces might get a tax credit. But when I investigated the specifics, things began to get tricky. Not all products were available in my state. In other cases, there weren't acceptable contractors.

What I Discovered When I Tried to Find Energy Star Products in Indiana

First, I did a web simple search for Energy Star water heaters and insulation. I felt both could be very useful in cold Indiana winters and the potential energy savings and the tax credits were appealing. I immediately found two gas water heaters, both made by Radiance. They carried the Energy Star label and showed up at Ace Hardware. I found them at the main Ace Hardware site, after searching for Energy Star products. However, I was told by Ace hardware specialists that the water heaters were not available in Indiana.

Even if they had been available, they might not have qualified for a tax credit. Gas water heaters had to have a thermal efficiency of 90 percent and credits would max out at 30 percent of the cost of the heater (including installation).

Energy Star Insulation May Also be Difficult to Find in Indiana

We've been looking to insulate our drafty house, especially since we sometimes have very cold winters in Indiana. I hoped that some Energy Star approved insulation could help us lower our heating bills. Unfortunately, according to the information found at the EnergyStar.gov website, no contractors put in acceptable insulation in Indiana. I'm going to keep an eye on the website, though, to see how this changes.

Bottom Line: How to Choose Energy Star Products in Indiana

Start with the main Energy Star website. Check to see if you've already put in anything that would qualify for a 2009 tax credit and double check the deadlines for upcoming credits (some extend to 2016). Pay attention to the warnings about how some products, even those labeled Energy Star, may not qualify for a tax credit. This can be confusing. Also, even for products which meet regulations, there may be a phase out period or a specific number of cars - or other items - which can be sold before the credit expires.

Sources:

Energy Star website
Phone calls to local Ace Hardware stores
Ace Hardware website