Get Credit for Making Your Home Energy-Efficient IRS Tax Tip 2013-48, April 4, 2013 If you made your home more energy efficient last year, you may qualify for a tax credit on your 2012 federal income tax return. Here is some basic information about home energy credits that you should know. Non-Business Energy Property Credit You may claim a credit of 10 percent of the cost of certain energy saving property that you added to your main home. This includes the cost of qualified insulation, windows, doors and roofs. In some cases, you may be able to claim the actual cost of certain qualified energy-efficient property. Each type of property has a different dollar limit. Examples include the cost of qualified water heaters and qualified heating and air conditioning systems. This credit has a maximum lifetime limit of $500. You may only use $200 of this limit for windows. Your main home must be located in the U.S. to qualify for the credit. Not all energy-efficient improvements qualify, so be sure you have the manufacturer’s credit certification statement.

It is usually available on the manufacturer’s website or with the product’s packaging. The credit was to expire at the end of 2011. A recent law extended it for two years through the end of 2013. Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit This tax credit is 30 percent of the cost of alternative energy equipment that you installed on or in your home. Qualified equipment includes solar hot water heaters, solar electric equipment and wind turbines. There is no limit on the amount of credit available for most types of property. If your credit is more than the tax you owe, you can carry forward the unused portion of this credit to next year’s tax return. You must install qualifying equipment in connection with your home located in the United States. It does not have to be your main home. The credit is available through 2016. Use Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, to claim these credits. You can get Form 5695 at IRS.gov or order it by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax Subscribe to IRS Tax TipsCool ideas for efficiency.Save energy in summer with cool tips to beat the heat. If you feel Michigan summers are too hot to handle, just imagine how hard they are on your cooling equipment. DTE Energy helps to make sure your air conditioning is ready to go with a variety of purchasing and maintenance incentives to keep your cool during the hotter months. Sealing air leaks is one of the most affordable ways you can stop air from entering or leaving your home. How much could you save with a higher efficiency air conditioner? Use our air conditioning calculator. Water Heater Air Conditioning Appliance much could you save with a higher-efficiency Input your current furnace efficiency Select the efficiency level of your estimated annual gas bill. Compare annual heating costsExisting Calculations are based on estimates and are for comparison only.

Compare water heating costs based on settings and How many people live in your of hot water used annually. Compare annual heating costsEnergy Factor Energy Factor .91 - Tankless Calculations are based on a 50 gallon tank and estimates are for comparisoninstall outside ac unit Compare air conditioning costs based on seasonalchanging capacitor on ac unit Select the size of your aircarrier ac replacement parts costsConventional Unit (13 SEER) estimates and can vary with temperature andHVAC tax credits are available. Replacing your air conditioning unit can save you up to $400. New cooling equipment can be 40% to 50% more efficient than units installed 20 years ago.* When you upgrade to energy-efficient units, you use less energy and save money on energy costs.

Saving money on new energy-efficient air conditioning equipment is easy. Have a participating HVAC Contractor install a 14 SEER or higher central air conditioner in your home and you can receive a DTE Energy rebate. You can choose to upgrade your air conditioner only, or you can use your savings to complete a full cooling system upgrade. Information accurate at time of publication. Please note that funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Ask your participating contactor today how you can secure guaranteed funds with an HVAC Rebate Reservation. DTE Energy Customer Eligibility Central AC SEER 14 to 14.99 SEER Central AC SEER 15 to 15.99 SEER Central AC SEER 16 to 16.99 SEER Central AC SEER 17 to 17.99 SEER Central AC SEER 18 to 18.99 SEER Central AC SEER 19 or greater ECM Motors factory-installed on new gas furnace only Diagnostic Air-Conditioning Tune-up Electric Wi-Fi-Enabled Thermostat (purchased before July 19)

Electric and Gas Customers (one rebate per customer) Wi-Fi Enabled Thermostat (purchased after July 19) Programmable (non wi-fi enabled) Thermostat * All qualifying equipment must be installed by a participating contractor and must have a mechanical permit pulled, where applicable, by the participating contractor. All DTE Energy Electric residential customer account holders are eligible for a 14 SEER or higher central air conditioner rebate. Systems must be properly matched and rated according to the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) (applies to furnace, coil and condenser) to achieve the energy efficiency and longevity expected from the system. Matched systems ensure that all components work together to reach the minimum program SEER ratings for qualification. Your participating contractor can help you confirm your eligibility. Search our Energy-Efficiency Directory to choose a participating contractor. These contractors have been trained to submit the online application for you and are required to obtain the proper permits before installation.

If your contractor is not listed, they can inquire about becoming a participating contractor by emailing the DTE HVAC Program. Select your new equipment – Your participating contractor will help you determine which HVAC equipment qualifies for rebates and properly size the equipment for maximum efficiency. Install the equipment - Have your contractor install the equipment in your home. Sign the Terms and Conditions form - Provide the contractor with your DTE Energy Electric account number and sign the Terms and Conditions form that your contractor will provide. Your contractor will submit the completed application online on your behalf. If you wish to receive updates about your rebate during processing, please give your email address to the contractor so they can enter it on the online application form. All applications must be received within 20 days of installation. Receive your rebate check - DTE Energy will process your completed application, and you will receive your rebate check within six to eight weeks.

Even the best air conditioning equipment needs regular maintenance to help it run more efficiently and last longer. Receive a $75 rebate when you complete a DTE Diagnostic Tune-Up. The DTE Diagnostic Tune-Up goes beyond a standard tune-up. When you request this option, your participating HVAC contractor will use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate your air-conditioning unit and make adjustments in order to return the equipment to peak operating condition. This will maximize its efficiency and reliability, can lower energy use costs, and ideally will extend system life. The system diagnostics provide a comprehensive look at how efficiently your system is operating. With this knowledge, your contractor can tell you if your system is in good operating condition or if additional service, repairs or replacement are recommended to help you save energy and money. What is a DTE Diagnostic Tune-Up? Contractor performs maintenance of system and ensures the system is operating effectively.

Contractor performs air flow, temperature, refrigerant charge and electrical readings. Contractor analyzes your system's operating capacity (efficiency) compared to the manufacturer's recommended capacity. Contractor provides feedback and recommendations.Ask your participating contractor today how you can secure guaranteed funds with an HVAC Rebate Reservation. Incentives are available for single-family homes, condos, or town homes with four or fewer units. Central Air-Conditioning diagnostic tune-up services for multiple pieces of equipment at the same address qualify for multiple incentives. The program is available to DTE Energy residential electric customers only. The program will run from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. Rebates will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and participants are encouraged to apply early, as program funds are limited. Your contractor must be approved prior to the service, and must submit the program documentation for you within 20 days of the service.