In The Community & News

 

In The News

Geothermal Heat Pump: How It Works
For the ultimate in comfort and energy conservation, start by digging a hole.
Max AlexanderThis Old House magazine (Read the article)

 

Switch to geothermal energy improves heating and cooling, and saves money
By Christopher J. Gearon. Special to The Washington Post. (Read the article)

 

 

Feature Articles

Geothermal Tax Credits

 

An exciting new tax credit is now available for home and commercial building owners who install geothermal heating and cooling systems through the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (H.R. 1424). H.R. 1424 offers a onetime tax credit of 30% of the total investment for homeowners who install residential ground loop or ground water geothermal heat pumps.. A credit of 10% of the total investment is also available (no maximum) for a commercial system installation.

 

To qualify, the systems must meet or exceed EnergyStar requirements and be installed after December 31, 2007. While units installed in 2008 are subject to a $2,000 cap on the credit, units installed from 2009 through 2016 can take advantage of the full credit. Owners can file for the credit by completing the Renewable Energy Credits subsection on their tax return forms for 2008. For taxpayers that are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax, they can claim the credit on their taxes for the following year. No proof of purchase will be required; however, in case of an audit, owners are encouraged to keep a detailed invoice of their purchase on file. The contractor who sold and installed the product should list the purchase as a "Geothermal Heat Pump" on the invoice and that it "Exceeds requirements of Energy Star program currently in effect".

 

The tax credit is available through December 31, 2016. Consult your local tax professional for advice on taking advantage of the tax credit, as this announcement is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement of any financial strategy.

 

 

Indoor Air Quality

 

Cold weather is approaching, and that means more time spent indoors. Most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, and 50 percent of all illnesses are either caused by or aggravated by poor indoor air quality (IAQ).

 

Indoor air pollutants can be the cause of numerous health-related problems. They can cause you to suffer from flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation. They can also exacerbate existing illnesses such as allergies and asthma.

 

Frequent dusting and vacuuming may reduce the amount of dust and dust mites present in your home or business. Filtration devices are needed to eliminate particles that are too small to be captured by a vacuum. These devices include air filters, media filters, and electronic air cleaners. The efficiency of the filtration device should be a top consideration. The higher the efficiency, the more effective it will be in removing airborne particles.

 

Germicidal lights are effective in killing viruses, mildew, and other harmful molds and microbes in ducts and coils.

 

If you suspect that you suffer from symptoms related to poor IAQ you can easily have your home or business tested for indoor air pollutants and other conditions that may exist. Nearly all situations can be substantially improved with proper treatment. Enjoy the great indoors again.