Rebates, Second Round

The State has started a new rebate program - The Texas Appliance Mail-in Rebate Program.  At first glance, this updated program seems to be easier to navigate.  The big drawback for the rebate program in April was the required reservation via telephone or internet.  This caused the rebate site and phone lines to be overloaded.

For this rebate, just send in the application along with qualifying proof of purchase.  Funds are available on a first come, first serve basis.  For more information, please visit:

Rebate Date Changed

The SECO rebate reservation date has moved to April 7th!  More information can be found at:

Also, it appears that rebate programs in other states have either sold out rather quickly or the computer servers were having issues due to the amount of traffic to the sites.  So be sure to log on early and get your reservation number.

Tax Credits, Rebates, and More Rebates

As many people are well aware of the extended Federal Tax Credit for Consumer Energy Efficiency (tax credit is 30% of the total cost of the product up to $1500), few may be aware of great state and local rebates that are available in addition to the federal tax credit.  A couple are outlined below:

In Texas, the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) offers the Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program with rebates available for upgrading to appliances that improve the overall energy efficiency of a home.  This includes everything from refrigerators to water heaters to entire HVAC systems.  For example, if a qualifying water heater was purchased for $1500, the SECO rebate would be $330 (after recycling the old one) and the federal tax credit would be $450 (30% of $1500).

As funding for the program is limited, the SECO rebates are only available for a specified time and require a reservation.  Rebates can be reserved beginning April 5, 2010 and the qualifying product must be purchased between April 16 - April 25, and be installed within 60 days of the reservation.  For more information regarding SECO rebates, please visit: 

           

In Austin, Austin Energy offers the Home Performance with EnergyStar program that has rebates for upgrading the HVAC system, radiant barrier, and insulation to name a few.  The rebate is 20% of the total cost, up to $1575.  To qualify for the program, a Home Performance energy analysis would have to be completed by a participating partner.  For more information regarding Austin Energy rebates, and to see a full listing of current available rebates for residents in the Austin area, please visit:

For more information regarding your specific needs, please contact us at 512.275.6500 or at  info@duarteconstruct.com

Tax Incentives Extended!

The Federal Tax Credit for Consumer Energy Efficiency has been extended into 2010!  What does this mean?  On an existing primary residence, a homeowner can upgrade several key elements contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the home and receive a tax credit.  This could include replacing windows, roofing, or even an HVAC system.  The tax credit is for 30% of the total cost of the product (excluding installation) up to $1500.  The credit expires December 31, 2010.


Also, a 30% federal tax credit for solar panels, geothermal heat pump systems, and small residential wind turbines is extended until December 31, 2016.  This credit applies for existing and new construction homes, primary and secondary residences, and has no max limit!

For more information regarding this tax credit program and the entire list of qualifying products, please visit:

For more information regarding your specific needs, please contact us at 512.275.6500 or at info@duarteconstruct.com.

GreenHomeGuide.com

The U.S. Green Building Council recently launched a new website aimed at answering specific questions homeowner's may have regarding "going green."  This site just went up in Beta form, but it has a lot of useful information on environmentally responsible products, methodology, and advice.  I think it's great!  Check it out:

Energy Efficiency: Not All or Nothing

Energy efficiency can mean a little something different to everyone. It is important when remodeling or building a new home to remember that energy efficiency does not have to be an all or nothing deal and there are options that can fit within every budget.

Below are a few of the general features an energy efficient home could include:

• Engineered Lumber: engineered products can be made of species that regenerate themselves faster and have less impact on the environment. And these products use wood more efficiently than solid sawn lumber. Examples are finger-jointed studs, I-joists, and LVLs (laminated veneer lumber.)
  

• Improved Insulation: Better quality insulation that is properly installed in attics, walls, ceilings, and floors, will decrease energy use and reduce energy costs.
  

• Windows: Manufactured windows using new technologies that include protective coatings, recycled materials, and improved frames. These windows ensure that heat stays outside during the summer and inside during the winter. 

• Doors: Installing improved seals and weather-stripping around doors will stop cold air flowing into homes or warm air escaping.

• Heating and Cooling systems: Today's furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners are quieter, more efficient, and consume less electricity than prior models.  In addition, the pricing for more efficient models continues to decrease and be more competitive with their less efficient counterparts.   

• Energy Efficient appliances: Modern and energy efficient appliances allow you to save money while using less energy. Energy Star appliances include ovens, dish washers, washer and dryer machines, and refrigerators...etc. 

• Low-Flow Faucets, Shower Heads, and Toilets: Decreases water use and reduces hydro fees.

So while your budget may not be able to afford solar panels, a low-flow shower head and toilet may be perfectly within reach. Your general contractor is your best resource to better understand the costs and return on investment for each of the above options, as well as the many options available to improve the environmental impact of your project. So by working closely together, you can come up with a plan that helps out mother nature and fits well within your budget.

Different Types of Roofing

Whether someone is in the process of building their new home or remodeling their existing home, I often get questions about the different types of roofing options. There is a lot of information out there and it can be overwhelming. So here are some of the most common roofing options in Central Texas and the pro and cons associated with each one.

Clay Roofing Tile is a great choice for many different types of houses, and is particularly popular for Spanish mission, southwestern, and Italian designed homes.

• Pros: They can last a long time. They won't rot, burn, be harmed by insects and requires very little maintenance.

• Cons: The tiles can be heavy and fragile. So they do not always hold up well to our Texas hail storms. Also, the initial installation can be complicated and can cost more than most other roofing options, as additional support will be required for the added weight load.

Metal Roofs are definitely a hot trend these days.

• Pros: Metal roofs are energy efficient, durable, fire retardant, and almost maintenance free. Often they are made from 60-65% recyclable material. Also, they can often save you money on your home insurance due their long lifespan and low maintenance. Government rebates are available on several kinds of metal roofing.
  

• Cons: The initial installation can be costly and is best done by a professional. Homeowners can expect to pay about 50% or more compared to composite shingles.

Composition Shingles are the most common option in Central Texas.

• Pros: This type of roof has a large selection of types, color, and brands, is relatively easy to install, and is often the most affordable.

• Cons: Shingles can be damaged in high wind storms. Material can scar when it gets hot and is susceptible to algae growth. This roof option usually has the shortest lifespan compared to other options.
  

No matter which option you choose, remember that the life span of any roof is determined by a number of factors, including weather, proper installation, quality of material, and maintenance.
Roofing product manufacturers offer a wide variety of warranties on their products. Take a close look at those warranties to see what responsibilities manufacturers will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lives, as well as what actions could void that warranty.

Windows For Everyone!

As it turns out, and as part of the stimulus package, window replacement for residential homes now have a tax incentive! Woohoo! What does this mean?? Well, if your windows leak more AC into the atmosphere than they keep inside, you could receive up to a $1500 tax credit for replacing the windows in your home. The tax credit is actually 30% of the cost of the windows, with a cap of $1500. That’s a huge incentive to those that are considering window replacement. Not only can you get some great looking windows with a tax break, but expect to get a break on the electric bill by installing low-e windows. More info at www.andersenwindows.com