Make your home more energy efficient on the government's dime

As part of the federal government's economic stimulus program set to expire on December 31, 2011, homeowners can receive tax credits through home improvements that increase their home's energy efficiency. In an effort to inform homeowners of the available tax credits, MXenergy has recently identified ways to make homes more environmentally friendly.

Of the many ways homes can be improved to become more efficient, Marjorie Kass, managing director of marketing for MXenergy, suggests homeowners look into affordable improvements such as installing a biomass stove, upgrading central air condition units or furnaces, replacing old installation, adding weatherproof windows and skylights and replacing old roofing materials. Kass recommends checking out local deals and incentive programs at the state and local levels for added savings.

"We know it is often the issue of cost that prevents people from making efficiency changes and it is our goal to help inform consumers so they can offset as much of the expense as possible," she said.

The latest issue of Consumer Reports also highlighted the best products and improvements to help make homes more efficient. Celia Kuperszmid-Lehrman, deputy home editor at Consumer Reports, said saving energy and money does not mean consumers have to sacrifice performance or convenience.

"Our tests have found many models of efficiency among a variety of appliances, but shoppers should beware that there are also products whose energy-saving claims are mostly hype," Kuperszmid-Lehrman said.  

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