American life-styles use an exceptionally large amount of energy. In the past, energy was an inexpensive resource that was readily available to everyone. However, the cost of energy may now be the largest household expense next to the mortgage. This fact sheet is designed to make consumers aware of practices and resources that are available to improve the energy efficiency of a home

Hawks, Leona K.

Steggell, Carmen D., Ph.D

English

DigitalCommons@USU

UtahStaleUNIVERSiTYCOOPERATIVEEXTENSIONSERVICEEnergy SenseCarmen D. Steggell, Ph.D" and Leona K. Hawks, Ed.D.Department of Human EnvironmentsREsmm.Cf.S TO IMPROVE THE ENE.RGY EFFlCIE.NCY Of A HOMEEL286.2American life-styles use an exceptionally large amountof energy. In the past, energy was an inexpensiveresource that was readily available to everyone.However, the cost of energy may now be the largesthousehold expense next to the mortgage. This factsheet is designed to make consumers aware of prac-tices and resources that are available to improve theenergy efficiency of a home.Renewable EnergyNinety-four million households in the United Statesconsume more than one-fifth of the nation's totalenergy budget for space heating, water heating, airconditioning, lighting, and operation of various ap-pliances. Energy conservation practices are veryimportant because they reduce the need to developnew energy sources and save the homeowner money.Numerous government and utility programs havebeen developed to assist homeowners in reducing theamount of energy wasted in the home.From 1978 until 1985, federal income tax guidelinesallowed residential energy conservation and renew-able energy tax credits. Although the federal taxcredits are no longer available, many states continueto offer various ineentives to encourage energy effi-ciency' including sales tax exemptions, property taxexemptions, loans, and grants. In Utah, the onlyineentive currently offered is a state income tax creditfor the installation of energy saving systems. Thiscredit is offered under Utah Tax Code 59-10-601-604, and is termed the Energy Saving Systems TaxCredit (ESSTC). The credit is allowed for systemscompleted and placed in service after January 1, 1986,but prior to December 31, 1995.In Utah, tax credits of25%, up to a maximum of$1500,are available for the installation of active, passive orphotovoltaic solar systems, bio-mass systems, waterpowered systems, and wind powered systems. Theseare some of the technologies that may qualify. How-ever, wood stoves are specifically excluded.An individual owner of a primary residence may claimtax credits for the cost of the energy system, includingarchitectural or engineering design costs, costs of ease-ments required to ensure solar access, system simula-tion costs, system analysis costs, and installation costs,providing the costs are adequately documented. Theenergy system must comply with all applicable state,federal, and local rules, regulations, codes and stan-dards. The energy saving system must meet certainrequirements and must be certified by the Office ofEnergy Services. The tax credit is taken on Utah stateincome tax form TC40E, and is filed with regularincome taxes.In addition, property tax relief provisions are availablein Utah. Widows, senior citizens, and those with lowincomes or disabilities may qualify. Tax relief maymake money available for investment into energy im-provements, which may reduce living expenses evenfurther. Specific guidelines and applications for taxrelief are administered through county governments.

Energy Sense

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Energy Sense

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