 | | Federal tax credits for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
On October 3, 2008, the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008" was signed into law. The bill extends tax credit for energy efficiency home improvements (windows, doors, roofs, insulation, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters).
Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will now be available for improvements made during 2009 (Improvements made during 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit). Visit the following EnergyStar link for specific information about the amount and types of tax credits available for various home components.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits
The Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP), sponsored by a coalition of public interest nonprofit groups, government agencies, and other organizations in the energy efficiency field, gives consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and subsequently amended several times.
Visit energytaxincentives.org for more information and to download the appropriate reimbursement forms.
Recycle your old Christmas tree lights and save money on new energy efficient LEDs
Are you packing up the last of the holiday decorations? Visit www.holidayLEDs.com to find out how you can ship your old Christmas tree lights for recycling and get a 15% coupon toward the purchase of newer, energy efficient LED tree lights.
LEDs use 80 percent less energy than bulbs that have a filament, they don't get nearly as hot, and they last at least 10 years or more. Consider adorning next year's tree or house with energy efficient LEDs.
Visit the EfficiencyWorks booth at a homebuilder show near you
Westar's Energy employees will be at area home shows beginning in February. Stop and visit us at one of these shows in your neighborhood. We'll have information about compact fluorescent lights, heat pumps and other energy efficiency tips.
Register to win a collection of energy efficiency products like CFLs, smart power strips and energy measurement devices.
| Date (2009) | Event | Location |
| Jan. 31 | Regional Energy Conference | Wichita |
| Feb. 6-8 | Lawrence HBA Home Show | Lawrence |
| Feb. 7-8 | Hutchinson HBA Home Show | Hutchinson |
| Feb. 12-15 | Wichita HBA Home Show | Wichita |
| Feb. 20-22 | Salina Home & Garden Show | Salina |
| Feb. 27-Mar. 1 | Topeka HBA Home Show | Topeka |
| Mar. 4-8 | Wichita Garden Show | Wichita |
| Mar. 6-8 | Flint Hills BA Home Show | Manhattan |
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