Stimulus Tax Credit Bulletin #4 – Stay Warm. Stay Green. 2009 Tax credit when you install energy efficient water heaters.

In order to get sweet tax rebate on water heater, make sure you purchase a water heater that is energy efficient.  Even if your water heater isn’t on the fritz, you still stand to save big bucks by opting for more efficient model. Gas, oil, propane, and solar water heaters are all game for the tax break.  Check Energy Star’s Tax credit list to find the requirements for each kind of heater.

 (While shopping --look for the energy star label on efficient water heaters in the following categories: high efficiency gas non-condensing, gas condensing, electric heat pump, gas tankless, and solar.)

Consider natural gas on-demand or tankless water heaters. Researchers have found savings can be up to 30% compared with a standard natural gas storage tank water heater. Additional information about on-demand water heaters can be found at U.S. Department of Energy. 

Here’s what is available: tax credit for 30% of the cost of energy-efficient water heater and electric heat pump, up to a life time cap of $1500. This credit is available for 2009 and 2010.

NOTE:  The tax credits you earn on all the energy efficient home improvement items such as central air, water heaters, furnaces and hot water boilers, windows, doors, roofing and installation, are cumulative, and capped at $1500. 

Be aware: this tax credit applies to primary residence only.  Need additional information? Visit  Hire it Done! 

Stimulus Tax Credit Bulletin #3 – Stay Cool. Stay Warm. Stay Green. 2009 Tax credit when you install energy efficient roof.

In order to get tax rebate on your new roof, make sure you purchase any energy star qualified metal or asphalt roofing.  Additional information on energy efficient star roofing products can be found at Energy Star.

There are pros and cons between metal versus asphalt roofing.  You’ll have to consider lifetime roof durability, cost, protection from the elements and fire resistance.

Here’s what is available: tax credit for 30% of the cost of energy-efficient metal or asphalt roofing, up to a life time cap of $1500. This credit is available for 2009 and 2010.

NOTE:  The tax credits you earn on all the energy efficient home improvement items such as central air, water heaters, furnaces and hot water boilers, windows, doors, roofing and installation, are cumulative, and capped at $1500. 

Be aware: this tax credit applies to primary residence only. 

Need an expert for your roof? Hire it Done with Adam Helfman at www.hireitdone.com

More on the Energy Efficiency Tax Credit from Reliable Source

NAHB is a trade association that helps promote the policies that make housing a national priority. The association also has an arm -- that would be of interest to my clients - HBI, which stands for Home Builders Institute. 

NAHB released a fact sheet on Energy Efficiency Tax Credit:

http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=113316

Stimulus Tax Credit Bulletin #2 – Stay Cool. Stay Warm. Stay Green. 2009 Tax credit when you install energy efficient windows and doors.

In order to get sweet tax rebate on windows and doors, make sure they are energy efficient – they must have a U-factor of 0.3 or less. The U-factor is used to measure the heat transfer through the object and determines how well it insulates. The lower the U-factor, the better it insulates.

To understand a little bit more about energy efficient windows and the U-factor, go visit this website: National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).  Two key things to know:

U-Factor:  Measures how well a window, door, or skylight prevents heat from escaping.  Ratings usually range from 0.20 to 1.20.  The LOWER the number, the more efficient the product is. U-Factor will change as window sizes change.

Solar Heat Gain (SHGC): Measures how well your new window blocks heat from sunlight – keeping your home cooler. The LOWER the SHGC, the lower that heat gain through a window. SHGC ranges from 0 to 1.  SHGC will change as the window sizes change.

Here’s what is available: tax credit for 30% of the cost of energy-efficient windows, skylights and doors, up to a lifetime cap of $1500. This credit is available for 2009 and 2010.

NOTE:

This comes from the new economic stimulus package signed into law in February that revived and expanded tax credits for energy efficient home improvements.

The tax credits you earn on all the energy efficient home improvement items such as central air, water heaters, furnaces and hot water boilers, windows, doors, roofing and installation, are cumulative, and capped at $1500. 

Be aware: this tax credit applies to primary residence only.  

Central Air Conditioning Tips – Four Tips to Conserve and Stay Cool

Dusty air filter reduces airflow. Check your unit’s air filter once a month. Clean or replace filter when necessary.  Keeping filters clean can cut energy consumption 5 to 15%!

Install a programmable thermostat so you can vary the temperature according to when you're home. Set it to 78 degrees when you're home. If you'll be gone for more than a few hours, it makes sense to set the air conditioning at 85 degrees while you are gone. Each degree setting below 78F will increase your energy consumption by approximately 8%. As you can see that can add up to a lot of money. 

Don't leave the house and turn OFF the air conditioner. You can set the temperature up five to ten degrees but not OFF. This is because of latent heat buildup in the walls and furniture in the house and will make the air conditioner work harder to remove the heat and this takes a long time (which will run you your utility bills). 

Also flip the switch on the thermostat for the fan setting to FAN ON, not Auto. The constant air moving will keep you cooler. You can probably keep the thermostat a degree or two higher than normal and still feel comfortable. You will also maintain a more even temperature between upstairs and downstairs. This will SAVE you money because the outdoor condenser will not come on as much!

Need an expert for your air conditioning? Hire it Done with Adam Helfman at www.hireitdone.com

 

Stimulus Tax Credit Bulletin #1 – Stay Cool. Stay Green. 2009 Tax credit when you purchase energy efficient central air conditioner.

In order to get tax rebate on central A/C units, make sure you purchase an air conditioner that is rated 1^st tier (pdf file) by the Consortium of Energy Efficiency. Also any A/C unit that is energy star qualified (look for the logo) will work as well.

This comes from the new economic stimulus package signed into law in February that revived and expanded tax credits for energy efficient home improvements.

Here’s what is available: tax credit for 30% of the cost of energy-efficient air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps and boilers, up to a life time cap of $1500. This credit is available for 2009 and 2010.

NOTE:  The tax credits you earn on all the energy efficient home improvement items such as central air, water heaters, furnaces and hot water boilers, windows, doors, roofing and installation, are cumulative, and capped at $1500. 

Be aware: this tax credit applies to primary residence only.  Need an expert for your air conditioning? Hire it Done with Adam Helfman at www.hireitdone.com

HIRE IT DONE and Adam Helfman for 2009

Adam Helfman’s message to his friends and family for 2009

First off I want you to know that I am not an originator. I like to absorb, recycle and recreate and utilize things that I come across over the past year, and in doing so I want to thank all my friends, cohorts, and especially my enemies for inspiring me to write my thoughts and reflections of this past year and what the future WILL BE for 2009 :
After 3 days of sitting alone in my home without power, without internet ,without heat and no food (oh that doesn’t count! I eat out all the time ;) ), a little bit of clarity has come to my mind that has overcome me and inspired me to write this. When there is no power your home takes on a new persona and I hear little sounds that I have not heard before. The slow drip of melting snow, the sound of a whistling and howling wind hitting the side of my house. A cold bone chilling frost has moved across my cheeks and my first reaction is to try and blow smoke out of my mouth like my son does when his sweet little breath hits the cold weather on a snowy day. As I glance out my window I see the neighbor kids braving the snow and sledding, playing, laughing and having a wonderful time enjoying the taste of fresh snow. Almost makes me want to have a snow cone! Mmmm. Every snowflake is cause for great celebration and makes me think of G-D. A dear friend and business partner Diana wrote to me last year that G-D is truly great, that he gives us all these great gifts from the time we are born- laughter, beauty, love, peace, curiosity,joy intelligence- -we have all these great gifts since the moment of birth and yet we spend most of our lives forgetting how blessed we really are. In the grand scheme of things it seems so unimportant. We spend a lot of our time worrying about insignificant things like : where to have lunch? Or what to make for Dinner? Why are those decisions so tough? TRUST ME , I’m trying to be funny, the real decisions this year was if to pay your mortgage or your credit cards or your heat bill or your electricity bill. These are decisions we are all experiencing. In 2008 I had to re-invent myself and worked harder than I ever have. My focus and drive are what have kept me going. In 2008 I experienced many life changing events (not worth mentioning here)and you need to know that my competitive edge did not spring from a background of Peace and Harmony. I survived the turmoil, the controversy and the struggles. Most people (if not all) don’t know the pain that I suffered this year or the pain I have caused others. But thankfully we are at the end of the year so we can put all this pain, drama, anxiety, headache and anger behind us. So in the times like we are experiencing today, here is my wishlist for 2009:

- To reconnect with friends of the past- Thank you FACEBOOK
- To make new friends and create new loving relationships (however that may be)
- To enjoy a portion of each day with out stress and no anxiety
- There are 15 laws of success that are worth knowing but 2 stick out to me:
- --- The Law of Attraction- (although not a fan of “the secret”) You are a living magnet. You attract people, events and circumstances that harmonize with your dominant thoughts. (it works)
- The Law of Belief- Whatever you believe…..deeply…. becomes your reality.
- To reaffirm my connection with G-D and pray for peace in the world (Especially the Middle East).
- To make Hire It Done the choice for Homeowners when needing a home improvement professional (one that actually shows up!)
- To expound on my passion for food (ADDICTION?)
- To introduce The Food Phantom.
- To successfully launch “FOOD FREAKS” the show to the world. (I could use some help)
- To let my entrepreneurial spirit flourish in 2009.
- To sharpen my competitive spirit- razor sharp
- To keep loving my family
- To remember the people that stood up for me
- To pay it forward to the best of my abilities
Lastly to have the WORLD CONSPIRE IN MY FAVOR!
Happy 2009 to all the good people in the world! And to the bad people, I wish clarity and a change of heart, it is never too late to live with honor and humility.
Oh yea, I would keep going but I have built up an appetite so I must stop now and go eat ;)!!
I love you all!!
Xoxoxo
Helfy

Hire It Done ! and Marygrove Awning!

Mike Falahee the owner of Marygrove Awning comes to the Greater Media Studio and talks Home Improvement with Hire It Done!!
www.hireitdone.com

Hire it Done and Bosch Clean Diesel Wrap up a full week of fun and learning!

Well the week went by really fast and i had a great time test driving this Bosch Clean Diesel Jeep Cherokee. A couple of notes worth mentioning again: Super quiet! you cannot tell its a diesel, Torque! OMG! So much Torque. Also i was amazed at how many gas stations sell diesel fuel. I really never noticed that before. I still havent figured out my MPG, but i reckon it is somewhere north of 30-35 MPG! Yea I said 30-35 miles per gallon. I did a lot of highway driving this past week and truly enjoyed the car. for more information check out www.boschdiesel.com

Hire It Done and Viscount Pools!

Bob Zacharski from Viscount Pools, Spas and Billiards 1-877-FUN-ASAP
We had a good time and he gave some great content!

HIRE IT DONE GOES GREEN!! Bosch Clean Diesel!! GOING GREEN!! AWESOME!

SO i have had this car all week. It is a standard Jeep Cherokee but it has a BOSCH Clean Diesel engine. Talk about Good Clean Fun! You can barely tell this has a diesel engine?
One thing i noticed that really stands out in this vehicle is the TORQUE!! I am amazed at the amount of torque this engine has. I have had this car all week and really enjoy it. I ussually fill my tank 2 times per week and its thursday and i havent filled up yet. I havent figured out my MPG but it clearly is much higher than what i am used to.
With everyone being energy conscious today it is improtant to note how clean this Bosch Diesel technology is. According to Bosch this engine can provide up to a 25% reduction in CO2 emmissions.
For more info check out http://www.bosch-diesel.us/

Hire it Done and Bosch Clean Diesel!!

So I started the engine this morning and was expecting to hear that "diesel rattle". WOW! is all I can say! Very quiet. I will be on the road all day! Check back soon!

Bosch Clean Diesel!! GOING GREEN???

BOSCH has dropped off a Clean Diesel for me to test drive. I am really excited to put this baby through its paces. Stay tuned for updates all week........

Rick Armstrong and Bob Green from RPA Construction!

Feng Shui!!

Tamara Stone Interiors shows Hire It Done how to add balance in your life and home!

CITY INSPECTOR!!!

Gerry McCallum City of Orchard Lake , Michigan

One of the good guys!

The boys from Hines Park Ford in New Hudson Mich.

Steve Amodeo and Adam Helfman in the MAGIC 105.1 Studios!
Rocking out HARDROCK STONEWORKS!

ANN DUKE AND ARIC KARPINSKI of Hour Media

DETROIT HOME IMPROVEMENT MAGAZINE!!
GET IT NOW!
WWW.DHIMAG.COM

LIQUID RUBBER SIDING?

Have you ever heard of Liquid Rubber Siding?
www.liquidrubbersiding.com
Remember : Dont Do it Yourself! Hire It Done!!