The 179D tax deduction came about as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct). Congress wanted to incentivize the utilization of energy-efficiency components in a building to one of the following parties: 1.The owner of the building 2.The tenant 3.The primary designer of an energy-efficient government building. (Architect, engineer, contractor etc.) The deduction available is up to $.60 per sq./ft. for lighting, HVAC and building envelope, creating potential for $1.80 per sq./ft. if all three components qualify. These deductions are applicable to buildings that were either built or retrofitted after 12/31/2005. Since EPAct came into effect, the IRS…

Keeping your home comfort levels high while maintaining an efficient home does not have to be difficult. In fact, there are several small things you can do around your home with very little money that will increase your comfort levels while decreasing your bills. Insulate Electrical Outlets and Switches A lot of energy is lost through drafty switches and sockets. You can purchase small kits at any big box retailer or home improvement store that will allow you to insulate all of your switches and outlets. Depending on the size of your home, you can typically do this for under…

Many existing houses could be more energy efficient. Adding better insulation, using alternative fuel sources, or creating smarter exposure to natural light will all add to efficiency. But these structural changes can be expensive. But there are options. The following tips will ensure that energy savings are possible without spending more money. HEATING 1. Lower your thermostat by one degree C and save 240 kg (529 lb) of CO2 per year. If you feel cold, put on another layer. A cooler temperature is healthier and makes you more active. 2. Turn the heat right down at night. Use warm beds…

Phoenix, AZ Phoenix-based consulting firm, Capital Review Group (CRG), has released a series of white papers designed to help educate business owners and accounting professionals on some of CRGs most sought after service offerings. White paper titles include: Benefits of the Cost Segregation Study for Commercial Property Owners Are you Ready to Take Advantage of the New Green Tax Incentives for Commercial Property Owners? When is an Energy Audit Indicated? Passive Activity and Cost Segregation CRG Founder, Marky Moore, says that the White Papers offer valuable insights into the specialized work that CRG does for their clients. This is an…

The home is expected to provide us shelter. Indeed, the home functions as a shield against the rain, sun, snow, and wind. In fact, our homes are our solace so they must be comfortable and warm. They should become a place that we will all love to go home to and find solitude in. But apart from all these things, the basic must come at handthe home should be entirely durable and sturdy. They say there is no place like home so we better make the best out of our own homes! These factors and requirements may be met if…

Established or potential landlords in Texas need to be aware of any factors that can cause them or their tenants undue costs. Perhaps the greatest cost increase comes from wasted energy in your properties. Whether you or your tenants are responsible for paying all or partial utilities, both parties want the lowest rates possible. Obviously you, as a landlord, have little control over how often your tenants turn off the light or run their air conditioner, but what you do have control of is energy efficient appliances and pre-emptive methods for conserving energy. A common misconception is that you have…

If you and your family are trying to ‘live green’ this year, you’ll definitely want to know more about passive solar energy sources. Solar power refers to the light and heat from the sun that is trapped and then converted into usable energy. Wind power, wave power, and hydroelectricity, are other, more common, forms of earth friendly energy technologies and are more commonly used to generate electricity for homes and businesses. Solar energy is by far the least used of the major renewable energy types. Although the use of solar energy has a long history, until recently it has not…

In light of the current economic conditions that the country is facing right now, several programs have been placed in the priority list that will address some of the most critical issues faced by Americans right now. One such issue is on the use and consumption of electricity, wherein a national program was set into motion to generate interest among consumers in various states to participate in energy efficiency programs starting with their own homes. Texas has been at the forefront of the nationwide energy efficiency drive with residents given the power to select their energy options in a bid…

The best time of year to make home improvements on home efficiency is before cold weather arrives, especially in Houston, Texas. Doing an inspection for checks to find drafty areas of the home is beneficial in making the home more comfortable and in saving money. Determine what do-it-yourself and professional repairs need to be done to prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from invading. Radiant Heat Barriers Call reliable local insulation contractors in Houston, TX to determine what type of protection the attic needs. They may make several recommendations to prevent energy inefficiency in what is typically the…

It is an easy task to improve the indoor air quality of your home while improving its energy efficiency at the same time. Knowing some basic steps is all you need to get started. Improve Air Quality and Energy Efficiency by Eliminating Drafts The first order of business is to eliminate as many drafts as possible. This will limit the quantity of airborne allergens that can enter your home from outside. The prevention of drafts will both improve the quality of the air inside your home and will also increase the energy efficiency of your air conditioning/heating system. Much of…