Taxes

Incentives For A More Comfortable Home

Posted: 12/3/2010

Recent tax changes could be warmly welcomed by many homeowners interested in increasing their comfort.

(NAPSI) - A recent tax credit lets homeowners looking for a more energy-efficient way to heat and cool their house get a new geothermal heating and cooling system. A onetime tax credit of 30 percent of the total investment is offered to homeowners who install residential ground loop or ground water geothermal heat pumps.

The System

A geothermal home comfort system taps into the abundant source of free solar heat energy stored in the earth and uses a series of pipes (an earth loop) buried in the ground to move that heat into a home during cold weather.

The Tax Break

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, homeowners who install a geothermal system before Dec. 31, 2016, can take advantage of the federal renewable energy tax credit for the system. Homeowners may also get utility rebates and other tax incentives.

Other Advantages

Even without the tax break, the long-term return on installing such a system can make it worthwhile. The energy source is free and renewable and the average system lasts over 24 years-compared to 15 years for an ordinary system. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency considers them to be one of the most efficient heating and cooling systems available.

According to the experts at WaterFurnace, most geothermal systems are easy to install in both new and older homes. Once installed, the system requires less maintenance than a conventional heating and cooling system and operates more efficiently, delivering an astounding four units of energy for every one unit of electrical energy used. That translates to a 400 percent efficiency rating and savings up to 70 percent for heating, cooling and hot water costs.

Another plus: A geothermal system uses no fossil fuel and emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gases. Homeowners experience added comfort, improved indoor air quality and less noise as they reduce their carbon footprint.

Learn More

To find a geothermal system that fits your needs, you can visit www.waterfurnace.com or call (800) GEO-SAVE.