Energy Tax Credits (and rebates too!)
- Federal Energy Tax Credits for Energy Conservation will pay 30% of cost up to $1500 on your principal residence. See https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index for details. This is for Insulation, new Windows and Doors, and new Heating systems.
- The Federal Energy Tax Credits for Renewable Energy pays 30% of cost with no upper limit to the credit on your primary or secondary home. See https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index for details. This is for solar systems, small wind systems and geothermal heat pumps.
- Federal Energy Tax Credit pays up to $2000 for new houses (payment is to the contractor) that exceed the 2004 IECC by 50% (not that hard to do).
- Montana Energy Conservation Credit is for 25% of costs up to $500 ($1000 per couple) for conservation measures. See https://deq.mt.gov/energy/warmhomes/taxincentives.mcpx
- Montana Renewable Energy Tax Credit is for 24% of costs up to $500 ($1000 per couple) for solar, wind and biomass systems. See https://deq.mt.gov/Energy/Renewable/TaxIncentRenew.mcpx
- Northwestern Energy has a wide range of rebates for lighting, appliances, insulation, thermostats and heating systems. See https://www.northwesternenergy.com/display.aspx?Page=Rebates_Home_MT&Item=102
Total Savings:
- The combination of Energy Conservation Credits and Rebates can pay 30 to 60% of your energy conservation measures.
- The combination of Renewable Energy Credits can pay 30 to 40% of your new solar or wind system.
- In addition, Energy Savings of 30 to 60% are commonly achieved. Long term savings are substantial as energy prices increase.
So, make a plan to save a lot of money!
- Start with an Energy Audit. Identify where your house is losing energy. Estimate the cost of improvements. Then decide which measures make sense for you.
- Schedule the work with an experienced contractor.
- Enjoy a warmer, less expensive home all winter.