Energy overhaul deadline

Procrastinators, take note: A federal tax credit encouraging home energy efficiency is set to expire on Dec. 31. The credit, created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, allows tax relief of 10% of the cost of materials for certain home improvements, up to $500 per household.

The tax credits are available on items including insulation, exterior doors, storm doors, materials that seal air leaks, Energy Star-qualified windows and skylights, central air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, Energy Star-qualified pigmented metal roofs and furnaces.

For more information on qualifying products or to measure your home’s energy efficiency, visit jmhomeowner.com or www.ase.org/taxcredits.

-- Joshua Sandoval