The Professional Choice
A companion overview to the popular "Ask Mr. Handyman" radio program airing on Christian Talk Radio, KCRO 660AM Saturdays @ 9:30AM.
With this terrible muggy weather we have had numerous customers ask Mr. Handyman what can be done to make their homes more comfortable. Here are some tips to keep cool during this season.
If it feels warm and muggy in your home and the A/C seems to remain on throughout the day it is time to take some action.
1. Have the A/C unit serviced. You may have condenser coils that need cleaned. The system may need a charge or the evaporator coil may need checked. The service man can look for other reasons the A/C unit is getting a workout this summer (duct work that can be directed to pull more warm air from the upstairs to be cooled).
2. Check the attic. You may not have enough insulation in the attic to keep the cool air in the home. Insulation can be added and the homeowner may quality for the 30% tax rebate on the purchase price. The attic may not be vented properly trapping the hot air and allowing that hot air seep down into the living space. My mother-in-law saves over $60/month because we insulated her attic.
3. Doors and windows may be leaking that cool air and allowing the warm muggy air into the home. Inspect and evaluate all windows and doors for signs the weather-stripping is doing its job. Replace any that is suspect. Weather-stripping is inexpensive compared to higher utility bills and it could save you $$$ each month.
4. Reduce the use of "heat-producers." Grill out more instead of turning on the hot stove or oven. Boiling water for pasta puts a lot of heat and moisture into the home. Use the microwave more. Run the dishwasher and dryer at night when the heat load is reduced.
5. Block the hot sun from coming in. Keep blinds and shades pulled on the South and west sides of the home during the day.
Updating appliances will save you $$$ in operating and utility costs over many years!
Rebates expire soon (or will run out of funding) for retiring a “seasoned” appliance and replacing it with an up-to-date energy-efficient one. Nebraska will use a system that requires the consumer to fill out a mail-in form to claim the rebate on Energy Star appliances available only at verified retailers. The program had been delayed but rebates are available now, until funds run out ($1.7 Million, almost $1 million already allocated in the first day July 6th). In Iowa, the same program ran out of funds in a matter of hours so be on the ball if you want to take advantage of this program.
Nebraska will recognize the following products as eligible for rebates:
Eligible Products Rebate Amount
Central Air Conditioning $100
Heat Pumps $250
Refrigerators $100
Natural Gas & Propane Furnaces $250
Clothes washers up to $200 (depends on model)
Dishwashers $50
All products must meet strict state specifications with the exception of central air conditioners, air source heat pumps, and gas furnaces, which must meet the stricter Federal requirements.
Purchase must be made from "registered" retailers within the state of Nebraska, and after July 6th. Purchases made before the program start date do not qualify. Consumers must "self-certify" the new unit will replace a clunker unit. For more information visit the Nebraska Energy Office website. There is a limit of (2) rebates per household.
Residents are encouraged to utilize Nebraska Public Power District and the Omaha Public Power District programs to recycle clunker refrigerators.
Nebraskan’s can also receive a 5-year, 5% bank loan at a certain lenders that participate in the program.
Some additions or remodels do not pay off. See photo.
Homeowners that have a remodeling project in mind should consider these 6 rules, fresh from Money Magazine, to get the best "bang-for-their-buck" should a future home sale be in the works.
1. Repairs can bring the biggest returns. EVERY potential buyer will be turned away if costly repairs are needed to bring the home up to standard. Spending money to keep it maintained is paramount and is the best return on your investment.
2. Remodeling tops an addition. Updating existing square footage returns a better value than adding square footage.
3. Eco-friendly upgrades can save the homeowner cash. Going green with compact fluorescent lighting, low-flow toilets and showerheads, more insulation, energy-efficient windows, doors, and newer HVAC and water heaters really works and can save hundreds every month. Tax-credits for many of these items make it a great value. Tax credits end at the end of this year.
4. Keep up with technology. Add cable and Ethernet cabling to each room when tackling a project. If you have modular type light switches in one room, change them out in all rooms.
5. Keep up with the Joneses. If most of your neighbors have granite countertops, do the same. You do not want your home to be sub par compared to others in the neighborhood. Keeping to neutral colors helps.
6. In reality, the payback time period is 5 years. If you know your plans are to sell within 5-7 years and you need to update, start now! Remember, keeping the home maintained is the best overall value for your dollar. If you need repairs completed hire a professional. There are many that will sell you short in these trying times.
Go Green! Free 'Green' Stuff from Uncle Sam.
As a primary homeowner a tax payer could receive up to a $1500 tax credit for increasing the energy efficiency of their home. If you use your tax return to purchase energy efficient doors, windows, HVAC equipment, water heaters, skylights or insulation and roofing materials you will get 30% of that money returned to you as a tax credit. If you need some of these items anyway taking advantage of this tax credit just makes financial sense.
There are certain requirements and some paperwork to keep but it is money returning to you. If you do not take advantage of it this year you will miss out. I'll put it this way. If you received a tax return of $1000 this year and expect to get about the same back next year, you could spend this years return on a $1000 home improvement (materials costs only) and next year you'll receive $1300 back instead of the $1000 because of the tax credit. You could spend up to $5000 on these home improvement projects to max out at the $1500 limit.
Not all windows, doors and HVAC purchases qualify for the tax credit. Consult a tax professional or go to energystar.gov for more detailed information. You can call Mr. Handyman for more information as well.
Do you like to get some “green” back at tax time? Tax credits are available for some home improvements. Don’t miss out! The program is short lived and may not be re-authorized by congress. If you need new windows, exterior doors or need to add insulation you are throwing away money if you do not take advantage of this program.
Here is a brief overview.
- Improvements must be placed in service before December 31, 2010.
- Improvements must be made to your (taxpayer’s) principal residence.
- Tax credit is equal to 30% of product cost (not installation).
- Maximum tax credit is $1,500 over 2 years (2009 and 2010). You have less than 18 months to plan, save and leverage this program.
- You must have Manufacturer Certification Statement and receipts to qualify. The Energy Star web site states "Taxpayers must keep a copy of the certification statement for their records, but do not have to submit a copy with their tax return."
Here are the Energy Efficiency Improvements that qualify through the end of 2010:
- Insulation - primary purpose must be insulation, i.e. insulated siding doesn't qualify.
- Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors and Storm Windows and Doors - but check carefully as not all qualify (see table on Energy Star web site, right column).
- Roofing - includes all Energy Star qualified metal roofs plus reflective asphalt shingles.
- Central A/C- should be properly sized, and check for supporting documentation.
- Furnaces - there are oil, natural gas and propane eligible furnaces but make sure you're picking a model that is eligible for the tax credits. It includes some air-source heat pumps.
- Water Heaters - there are select models of natural gas, propane, oil and electric hot water heaters that qualify.
More novel Renewable Energy Improvements are eligible for 30% of the total cost (no $1500 cap), and can be added to your home up to December 2016.
- Solar Water Heating – use the sun to heat your bath water.
- Photovoltaic Systems – solar panels that produce electricity for your home.
- Residential Wind Turbines – produce energy for your home from the wind.
As always, with any government program, there are some strict rules to qualify. Visit http://www.energystar.gov/ or consult the manufacturer to ensure the requirements are met prior to purchasing any of these items.
Posts
