Rudolph bathroom staring Emily & Chloe!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Ohio Tax Credits for Sustainable Homes
To keep you all current on sustainable design for residences in Ohio, please know that Ohio is providing tax benefits for certain remodeling projects due to Bush signing the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005. You may be able to use some of these benefits if you are considering doing ANY remodeling this year. A business contact that is a local accountant, Marie Cutlip, provided the following information. If you have any questions regarding how this can help you with your taxes, I would be happy to pass your name along to Marie. Please read on:
What the New Energy Bill Means for You
PRESIDENT BUSH signed the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005. While the law was described by some in the media as a giveaway to huge energy companies, it also contains some generous new tax incentives for consumers.
The best part: They all come in the form of tax credits, the very best kind of tax break. A credit lowers your federal income tax bill dollar for dollar. In contrast, a deduction lowers only the amount on which you're taxed, so your bill is reduced only by a percentage of the write-off.
Here's what the 2005 Energy Act has in store for you.
New Tax Credit for Residential Energy ImprovementsThis personal tax credit has a $500 lifetime limit, but it's broad enough that many folks will benefit even though the numbers won't be very big. The credit applies only to energy-saving items you put to use in your main residence after 2005 and before 2008 (vacation homes don't count). The credit amount equals the sum of 10% of your expenditures for a qualified energy efficiency improvements to an existing home plus 100% of your expenditures for qualified residential energy property.
The 10% part of the credit for qualified energy efficiency improvements covers outlays for the following items:
Metal roofs coated with heat-reduction pigments.
Exterior doors.
Exterior windows including skylights (the lifetime credit for windows is limited to $200).
Insulation materials designed to reduce heat loss or gain.
The 100% part of the credit for qualified residential energy property covers money spent on these things:
Qualified electric heat pumps, electric heat pump water heaters, geothermal heat pumps,andcentral air conditioners. The credit for these can't exceed $300.
Qualified natural gas, propane and oil furnaces, and qualified hot-water boilers. The credit for these can't exceed $150.
Advanced main air circulating fans. The credit for these can't exceed $50.
Please use this information wisely!
What the New Energy Bill Means for You
PRESIDENT BUSH signed the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005. While the law was described by some in the media as a giveaway to huge energy companies, it also contains some generous new tax incentives for consumers.
The best part: They all come in the form of tax credits, the very best kind of tax break. A credit lowers your federal income tax bill dollar for dollar. In contrast, a deduction lowers only the amount on which you're taxed, so your bill is reduced only by a percentage of the write-off.
Here's what the 2005 Energy Act has in store for you.
New Tax Credit for Residential Energy ImprovementsThis personal tax credit has a $500 lifetime limit, but it's broad enough that many folks will benefit even though the numbers won't be very big. The credit applies only to energy-saving items you put to use in your main residence after 2005 and before 2008 (vacation homes don't count). The credit amount equals the sum of 10% of your expenditures for a qualified energy efficiency improvements to an existing home plus 100% of your expenditures for qualified residential energy property.
The 10% part of the credit for qualified energy efficiency improvements covers outlays for the following items:
Metal roofs coated with heat-reduction pigments.
Exterior doors.
Exterior windows including skylights (the lifetime credit for windows is limited to $200).
Insulation materials designed to reduce heat loss or gain.
The 100% part of the credit for qualified residential energy property covers money spent on these things:
Qualified electric heat pumps, electric heat pump water heaters, geothermal heat pumps,andcentral air conditioners. The credit for these can't exceed $300.
Qualified natural gas, propane and oil furnaces, and qualified hot-water boilers. The credit for these can't exceed $150.
Advanced main air circulating fans. The credit for these can't exceed $50.
Please use this information wisely!
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Is your home making you sick?
Sick Building Syndrome is recognized by the EPA. SBS is normally a term we use for commercial interiors but often times we use the same products in residential use- more specifically YOUR HOME.
The EPA's white sheet includes possible reasons for Sick Building Syndrome. I have attached this part of the white sheet for your information:
Chemical contaminants from indoor sources: Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building. For example, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde. Environmental tobacco smoke contributes high levels of VOCs, other toxic compounds, and respirable particulate matter. Research shows that some VOCs can cause chronic and acute health effects at high concentrations, and some are known carcinogens. Low to moderate levels of multiple VOCs may also produce acute reactions. Combustion products such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, as well as respirable particles, can come from unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces and gas stoves. For more information, see VOCs; Carbon Monoxide; Formaldehyde; Nitrogen Dioxide; Respirable Particles.
As you can see chemical contaminants include adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products and cleaning agents. Do you use these in your home? The place that you think is safe for your family? If you would like to know more please click on the link at the bottom of the site entitled EPA white sheet.
The EPA's white sheet includes possible reasons for Sick Building Syndrome. I have attached this part of the white sheet for your information:
Chemical contaminants from indoor sources: Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building. For example, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde. Environmental tobacco smoke contributes high levels of VOCs, other toxic compounds, and respirable particulate matter. Research shows that some VOCs can cause chronic and acute health effects at high concentrations, and some are known carcinogens. Low to moderate levels of multiple VOCs may also produce acute reactions. Combustion products such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, as well as respirable particles, can come from unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces and gas stoves. For more information, see VOCs; Carbon Monoxide; Formaldehyde; Nitrogen Dioxide; Respirable Particles.
As you can see chemical contaminants include adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products and cleaning agents. Do you use these in your home? The place that you think is safe for your family? If you would like to know more please click on the link at the bottom of the site entitled EPA white sheet.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Green Building Coalition in Ohio
For those of you interested in green building, remodeling or redecorating in Ohio there is actually an organization called the Green Building Coalition located in Cleveland. The web page is www.clevelandgbc.org. Upon joining this organization I received a lovely newsletter printed on recycled paper(of course!) indicating up coming events and seminars. Please check out and support this important organization in our area and let us know your opinion.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Kitchen & Bathroom Design
If you are currently investigating ways to remodel or build your kitchen or bathroom with products that will not harm you, your family or your pets, please contact Inspiring Spaces. We specialize in sustainable kitchen & bathroom design. There are many products that you can use to create a beautiful, functional, earth & people friendly kitchens.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Remodeling or Building a Healthy Home
When you decided to remodel or build a new home did you think about what harmful chemicals might be in the new products you are placing in your home? Do you or anyone in your family have allergies? Are you sensitive to chemicals? Do you value products that are "environmentally friendly?" These are questions that you should ask as well as address when you decide to remodel or build a home.
Inspiring Spaces Design can help you plan a healthy space with products that are not harmful to you or the environment. With over 13 years of interior design expertise we can create a space that is not only healthy but inventive and comfortable for many years to come. Please contact us if you would like further information.
Inspiring Spaces Design can help you plan a healthy space with products that are not harmful to you or the environment. With over 13 years of interior design expertise we can create a space that is not only healthy but inventive and comfortable for many years to come. Please contact us if you would like further information.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
