Energy efficiency tax credits: What's eligible and can it be installed in time?

Energy efficiency tax credits: What's eligible and can it be installed in time?

Dozens of projects are eligible for energy efficiency tax credits, assuming they can be completed by Dec. 31.

The maximum tax credit is $1,500, so even if homeowners replace windows and buy a new furnace, they can't receive more than $1,500 from the federal government. The tax credit is equal to 30 percent of the cost of the project, which sometimes includes installation costs.

In addition, the improvements must be done to the homeowner's principal residence, so rentals and new construction don't qualify.

Below is a summary of what's eligible, along with information on how long it might take to do the project.

WINDOWS, DOORS:

What qualifies? Exterior windows, skylights and doors generally must have a U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) less than or equal to 0.30. This information should be easy to find when you're buying the window or door. It doesn't matter if the new window or door is a replacement or part of an addition to the home.

Is installation included? No.

Is there time? If it's a do-it-yourself job, there should be time, but make sure to ask when ordering your window if they can guarantee when it will be available. If the job is more involved and you're hiring a contractor, there might not be enough time to take bids, order the job, and have it done before the deadline.

INSULATION:

What qualifies? Bulk insulation, such as batts, rolls, blow-in fibers. Weather stripping, house wrap, spray foam and caulk for air sealing can also qualify. Check with the manufacturer.

Is installation included? No.

Is there time? Yes, especially if you're doing it yourself. Most attic insulation jobs or small-scale insulation jobs can be done in a day or less.

BIOMASS STOVES, FIREPLACE INSERTS:

What qualifies? Biomass-burning stoves or a biomass-burning fireplace insert that acts like a stove to heat a room. Wood or pellet-burning stoves and fireplace inserts can qualify if they meet the 75 percent efficiency rating.

Is installation included? Yes, assuming professional installation is required for the stove to be safe.

Is there time? Most likely, but be sure to get a guarantee from the company installing the stove.

HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, WATER HEATERS:

What qualifies? Certain gas furnaces, boilers, central air conditioning, water heaters and ventilation system blowers qualify. The requirements vary for each, so check with the manufacturer or read up on specifics on the Department of Energy's website.

Is installation included? Yes.

Is there time? Yes. Our sources reported about a two-week waiting list for replacement furnaces and water heaters. But if the job is more involved -- think removing asbestos or redoing duct work -- be prepared for a contractor to tell you it might not get done before the deadline.

ROOFING:

What qualifies? Reflective metal roofs and asphalt roofs with cooling granules. But these roofs are designed more for warmer climates to help a home keep cool and use less air conditioning. The Builders Association of Minnesota said it's unlikely many Minnesotans will replace their roofs for this reason.

Is installation included? No.

Is there time? Yes, but the weather certainly hasn't been good for roof work.

For more detailed information about what qualifies and what doesn't, check the Department of Energy website.

(MPR reporter intern Anissa Stocks contributed to this report.)