Homeowners Tapping Into Their Portion of Economic Stimulus Package
Americans are using Energy Tax Credits to make energy-saving changes to their homes, resulting in short terms savings and long-term reduction in energy usage.
Salem, MA (PRWEB) May 3, 2009
Wall Street is not the only address benefiting from the Economic Stimulus Package passed by Congress and signed by President Obama. The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 also includes healthy incentives for American homeowners to make their dwellings more energy efficient. In return, Uncle Sam is offering generous energy tax credits that can add up to substantial savings.
"We are hearing from many customers who had been waiting to make improvements to their homes, but are now moving ahead because of the Energy Tax Credits," says Chris Zorzy, president of A&A Services, a 26-year old home improvement company in Salem, MA.
A 30 percent Energy Tax Credit is being offered for a wide range of home improvements, so long as the installation takes place in 2009 or 2010. The products used must meet strict energy guidelines, but homeowners can save as much as $1,500 on many projects.
"It is like the federal government just put most of the work we do on sale at 30 percent off," laughs Zorzy. "The Energy Tax Credit can be a huge savings for most people."
Zorzy says the first step many customers take is to have his company conduct an "energy audit" of their home. The audit consists of a thorough inspection and tests to identify and isolate areas of the home that may be allowing energy - in the form of heated or cooled air - to pass through from the inside to outside, or vice versa. A&A Service technicians use instruments such as infrared photography and a "blower door" to locate areas of heat loss.
"We find gaps and areas where energy is escaping, and offer recommendations on how to eliminate or minimize the loss," says Zorzy. "With the right changes, you can cut energy usage practically in half, which results in saving a lot of money on utility bills."
Zorzy says the most effective home improvements for reducing energy usage are replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient windows, insulating attics, and installing insulated siding.
"About 40 percent of your home's energy can be lost through windows and doors that are either poorly fitted, or too thin to do any good," notes Zorzy. "Ceilings and walls are another area where cold air can enter and heat escapes. You want to 'wrap' your home as much as possible." Zorzy says the same changes that can keep a home warmer during winter months can help keep it cooler during the heat of summer.
Zorzy cautions that not all contractors are qualified to do the work necessary for a homeowner to earn the 30 percent Energy Tax Credit. The products installed must meet Department of Energy standards, and documentation must be produced in order to apply for the tax credit.
About A&A Services
A&A Services was founded in Salem in 1982, and the company has remained in the city for the past 26 years, operating from a three-story building at 115 North Street. The company provides a broad array of home improvement options, including energy-efficient replacement windows, roofing, gutters, siding and insulation. For additional information contact A&A Services at (978) 741-0424, or visit www. a-aservices. com.
Http://www. a-aservices. com (http://www. a-aservices. com)
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