News

2/26/2009

Geothermal tax credit increased, could exceed $6,000

Geothermal tax credit increased

Home and commercial building owners who install geothermal heating and cooling systems are now eligible for increased federal tax incentives under the stimulus bill passed in February 2009. The 30% geothermal tax credit is good for systems installed from Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2016.

There is no cap on the dollar amount of the tax credit. For example, if the geothermal system cost $15,000, you could qualify for a $4,500 tax credit. For a $20,000 system, you could qualify for a $6,000 tax credit.

Go to www.energystar.gov for more details on what qualifies for the tax credit, http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#c3. Scroll down to the Geothermal section.

WaterFurnace International Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Phil Albertson, said, "By passing this important piece of legislation, Congress is encouraging the growth of renewable energy and the small businesses across the country that support it. WaterFurnace dealers are excited about these tax incentives and the positive impact it will have on their business as geothermal systems become increasingly more attractive to both home and commercial building owners."

The legislation offers a one-time tax credit of 30 percent of the total investment for residential ground loop or ground water geothermal heat pump installations. The legislation also provides a credit of 10 percent of the total investment, with no maximum credit, for business commercial system installations.

To qualify for the tax credit residential systems must meet Energy Star requirements. Owners can file for the credit by completing the Renewable Energy Credits subsection on their tax return forms. No proof of purchase is 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 note that the unit "Exceeds requirements of the Energy Star program currently in effect."

Tim Shields, Chairman of the Board of WaterFurnace, said, "We believe this incentive will encourage many more homeowners and business owners to install geothermal heat pumps. Geothermal heat pumps are made right here in the U.S. and the machines used to put the renewable heat exchangers in the earth are all made right here. Every system installed requires skilled US labor and more installations mean more jobs. This is truly a homegrown solution to the energy crisis and a very good way to address the financial crisis at the same time. The systems were already growing in popularity, but this stimulus will help us have the impact on the economy and the environment much more quickly."

Geothermal systems tap the free, completely renewable, supply of solar energy stored just a few feet below the Earth's surface and use that energy to drive heating and cooling system in both residential and commercial buildings. In addition to utility, state and now federal tax incentives that enhance the affordability of geothermal systems, this cost-effective, environmentally friendly technology offers a host of benefits that includes:
- Free, renewable supply of solar energy
- Efficiency ratings up to five times higher than those of ordinary heating and cooling systems
- Savings on utility bills up to 70 percent
- Reduced carbon footprint since the system burns no fossil fuels
- More even distribution of heating and cooling for improved comfort
- Improved indoor air quality
- Quiet operation with no noisy outdoor units to disturb the environment or neighbors
- Safe operation that requires no open flame or fuel storage tanks
- Less maintenance
- Increased system longevity (an average life span of 24 years vs. 15 for conventional air conditioners and 20 years for fossil fuel furnaces)

For more information about the benefits of a geothermal heating and cooling system, visit www.waterfurnace.com or contact your local WaterFurnace representative.

To learn more about the new federal tax credits, visit http://www.thomas.loc.gov or contact your local tax professional.

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