What energy-efficient home improvements are eligible for existing homes?
• Exterior windows: 10 percent of the total cost, up to $200. Includes skylights and storm windows. • Insulation, exterior doors, or pigmented metal roofs: 10 percent of the cost of the product (but not the installation), up to $500. Includes seals to limit air infiltration, such as caulk, weather stripping, and foam sealants, as well as storm doors. • Central air conditioner, heat pump, or water heater: up to $300 towards the full purchase price, including installation costs. • Furnace or boiler: up to $150 towards the full purchase price, and/or $50 for an efficient air-circulating fan in a furnace, including installation cost. • When are they available? The home improvement tax credits apply for improvements “placed in service” from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2007. They are not available in 2005. The IRS defines “placed in service” as when the products or materials are ready and available for use this would generally refer to the installation, not the purchase.
