How Homeowners CanTake Stimulus Dollars Further (NAPSA)—Here’s hot news: You can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and take advantage of federal tax credits by upgrading to new propane appliances. Energyefficient propane appliances can qualify homeowners for a combination of federal tax credits, state tax credits and otherincentives. For the millions of homeowners who live beyond the natural gas main, propane can be the key to creating a green home with the comfort and amenities they want. At the same time, homeowners can reduce their homes’ energy costs and emissions for years to come. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, (also known as the stimulus package), federal tax credits for qualified high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters are available at 30 percent of the installed cost, up to $1,500. Additional incentives are available at the state level through a variety of programs, including appliance rebates from state propane associations in somestates. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, home heating and water heating represent two of the biggest draws on home energy use, so improving efficiency in these two areas can mean significant savings. Environmental Benefits of Propane Appliances In addition to providing reliability, comfort and versatility, energy-efficient propane offers environmentalbenefits: Natural gas and propanefurnaces are the lowest emitters of greenhouse gases. Electric heat pumps, fuel oil furnaces, electric baseboards and electric furnaces all produce significantly higher greenhouse gas emissions. Energy Star-qualified pro- Homeowners who wantto enjoy cost, tax and energy savings can upgrade their home-heating and water-heating systems. pane furnaces are 15 percent more efficient than standard electric models and emit nearly 70 percent less CO. A propane furnace can heat air up to 25 degrees warmer than electricity and last 15 to 20 years—five to 10 years longer than the average electric heat pump. Each propane tankless water heater that replaces an electricpowered storage water heater eliminates 35,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over 10 years. In addition, according to Energy Star, expected energy savings overthelifetime of a tankless water heater can reach $1,800. Howto Get the Credit The tax credits won’t be around forever. According to the Propane Education & Research Council, here is how to make sure your efficiency upgrade qualifies: The improvement is to your principal residence; The appliance is “placed into service” before the end of 2010; You claim no more than $1,500; * You must have a signed manufacturercertification statement. Learn More To find out how much you can save with an energy-efficient upgrade, visit www.usepropane.com.
