Posted by Elizabeth on January 28, 2011
Taxes, taxes, taxes! It’s tax time again. Ever dream of a world without taxes? It existed – 3000 years ago. But, happy dreaming right? We don’t live in that day anymore. Don’t worry though, Fischer and Frichtel can help you out! We have a few ways to make your tax season a little less painful.
Have you made changes in your home in 2010 that were ‘green’ friendly? Maybe you installed some energy star appliances. Or, maybe you bought a brand new home in 2010. Either way, you qualify for a tax credit.
Saving money on utility bills is not the only perk that you will receive for going green in your home. You will also get a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the cost, up to a maximum of $1,500 of the products you installed. Qualifying jobs include the installation of insulation, energy efficient windows and doors, water heaters and roofs, among other things that had to have been installed in your home by December 31, 2010 to qualify.
Also, as we noted in an earlier blog this past year, many settlement costs and mortgage points are deductible in the year in which they’re paid when buying a new home. So, if you cashed in on those tax breaks in 2010 by buying a home, your tax return will look great!
Just remember, for products “placed in service” in 2010, you need to file the 2010 IRS Form 5695 and submit it with your 2010 taxes (by April 15, 2011). Bring in your receipts from the alliances and services used in the installation process.
Not qualified to cash in on those tax breaks from 2010? Check out this link of what is included in the 2011 tax credit. You have all year to take advantage of the credit and making your home more efficient. There are great incentives for not only current home owners, looking to upgrade, ‘go green’ and save on energy bills, but also for new home owners. Let Fischer and Frichtel get you into your new, energy-efficient home in 2011. Contact us today at www.fandfhomes.com.
Posted by Elizabeth on January 21, 2011
Tired of worrying about your energy bills? Constantly trying to find ways to conserve energy in your home? With the recent cold snap hitting Missouri, you can take some steps to reduce the amount of energy that you’re using to lower your bill. Here are some suggestions.
Fischer and Frichtel knows how critical it can be to save even the smallest of amounts on your home heating costs. We want to share with you some conventional energy-saving tips that can make your bills more bearable!
- Use cooking and cleaning to your advantage. Use ovens and dryers during the times that you and your family are in the house. The extra warmth from cooking using the oven or produced by the dryer will give your home a toasty touch.
- Turn the thermostat to 68, the magical number. Setting your thermostat to 68 degrees will allow your system to use less energy by operating less. And as you leave the house or head upstairs for bed, don’t hesitate to turn the thermostat down an additional 5 degrees to conserve additional energy. There is no use in using the heat when no one is home or awake. You can also purchase an inexpensive programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home’s temperatures when you are sleeping our out of the home.
- Mother Nature is on your side. Take advantage of what Mother Nature has to offer—free sunlight. Open your south-facing window shades or coverings to let natural light in. At the same time, make sure those that cannot receive sunlight are closed. Close all the coverings at night to retain the heat and insulate from drafts.
- What’s that in your attic? Most importantly, what isn’t in your attic? That would be the lack of insulation that’s haunting you in the wintertime. Insulating your attic is an investment, but it’s also one of the most cost-effective methods to save costs in your home. Depending on what you plan to insulate (walls, crawlspace, etc.), you may need a contractor for assistance or consultation.
- Give that furnace some TLC. Replace or clean furnace filters once a month. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Now is also the time for a furnace “tune-up.” Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use, saving up to 5 percent of heating costs.
- Turn it off. Save electricity and reduce waste heat by shutting off lights. Seldom used home electronics should actually be unplugged from the wall. Items like DVD players, VCRs and cordless phones use 40 percent of their energy while in the off position to power functions like clocks and remote controls.
Regardless of the home you’re in, there are other daily subtle changes that can help. Using cold water in your washing machine, running the dishwasher only when completely full, and closing the fireplace damper when not in use are effective and routine tasks that can save you money.
Enjoy this winter, stay warm and use these great tips to cut down on those energy bills!
