Skip Spilman, Specialist

Public Works Development Services
P.O. Box 61350
Boulder City, Nevada 89005
Phone (702) 293-9229
Fax (702) 293-9241
E-mail: Contact Form
Monday thru Thursday
 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.


 Other Resources
Watch this presentation on BCNV OnDemand! FYI: SNWA's Doug Bennett

Boulder City Departments
- Conservation Department

Boulder City Finance Department



Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

SUMMARY OF TAX CREDITS FOR HOMEOWNERS
Product CategoryProduct TypeTax Credit SpecificationTax CreditNotes
InsulationInsulationMeets 2009 IECC & Amendments30% of cost, up to $1,5001

For insulation to qualify, its primary purpose must be to insulate (example: insulated siding does not qualify).

Check to see if you have Home Performance with ENERGY STAR in your areas. Adding insulation to your home is covered.

Windows & DoorsExterior Windows and SkylightsBefore June 1, 2009:
Must meet ENERGY STAR criteria

After June 1, 2009:
U factor <= 0.30 

SHGC <= 0.30
30% of cost, up to $1,5001

Not all ENERGY STAR labeled windows and skylights qualify for tax credit.

More information

Storm WindowsIn combination with the exterior window over which it is installed:
  1. has a U-factor and SHGC of 0.30 or below
  2. Meets the IECC
30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on storm doors and storm windows.

Exterior DoorsBefore June 1, 2009:
Must meet ENERGY STAR criteria

After June 1, 2009:
U factor <= 0.30 

SHGC <= 0.30
30% of cost, up to $1,5001

Not all ENERGY STAR doors will qualify.

More information

Storm DoorsIn combination with a wood door over which it is installed:
  1. has a U-factor and SHGC of 0.30 or below
  2. Meets the IECC
30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on storm doors and storm windows.

RoofingMetal Roofs, 
Asphalt Roofs
All ENERGY STAR qualified metal and reflective asphalt shingles30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on roofs that qualify for the tax credit

HVACCentral A/CSplit Systems:
EER >=13
SEER >= 16 

Package systems:
EER >= 12
SEER >= 14
30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on Central ACs that qualify for the tax credit

FAQ on Air Source Heat Pumps that qualify for the tax credit

Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. View ENERGY STAR criteria.

Air Source Heat PumpsSplit Systems:
HSPF >= 8.5
EER >= 12.5
SEER >= 15

Package systems:
HSPF >= 8
EER >= 12
SEER >= 14
30% of cost, up to $1,5001
Natural Gas or Propane Furnace

AFUE >= 95

30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on Furnaces and Boilers that qualify for the tax credit

Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. View ENERGY STAR criteria for furnaces, boilers.

Oil Furnace

AFUE >= 90

30% of cost, up to $1,5001
Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler

AFUE >= 90

30% of cost, up to $1,5001
Advanced Main Air Circulating FanNo more than 2% of furnace total energy use.30% of cost, up to $1,5001

Read this FAQ if the fan qualifies, but the furnace does not.

Water HeatersGas, Oil, Propane Water HeaterEnergy Factor >= 0.82
or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.
30% of cost, up to $1,5001

FAQ on Water Heaters that qualify for the tax credit

View ENERGY STAR criteria for water heaters.

Electric Heat Pump Water HeaterSame criteria as ENERGY STAR: Energy Factor >= 2.030% of cost, up to $1,5001
Biomass StoveBiomass Stove

Stove which burns biomass fuel to heat a home or heat water.

Thermal efficiency rating of at least 75% as measured using a lower heating value.

30% of cost, up to $1,5001FAQ on biomass stoves.
Geo-Thermal Heat PumpGeo-Thermal Heat Pump

Same criteria as ENERGY STAR:

Closed Loop:
EER >= 14.1
COP >= 3.3

Open Loop:
EER >= 16.2 
COP >= 3.6 

Direct Expansion:
EER >= 15 
COP >= 3.5

30% of the cost

All ENERGY STAR geo-thermal heat pumps qualify for the tax credit.

Must be “placed into service” before December 31, 2016.

Solar Energy SystemsSolar Water Heating

At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household.

The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs.

The water must be used in the dwelling.

The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).

30% of cost

All ENERGY STAR solar water heaters qualify for the tax credit.

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Photovoltaic SystemsPhotovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.30% of cost

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Small Wind Energy SystemsResidential Small Wind TurbinesHas nameplate capacity of not more than 100 kilowatts.30% of cost

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

Fuel CellsResidential Fuel Cell and microturbine system

Efficiency of at least 30% and must have a capacity of at least 0.5 kW.

30% of the cost, up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity

Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.

CarsHybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles
Based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models

There is a 60,000 vehicle limit per manufacturer before a phase-out period begins. Toyota and Honda have already been phased out. Credit is still available for Ford, GM and Nissan.

For more information visit:Fueleconomy.gov Exit ENERGY STAR

Use IRS Form 8910 PDF Exit ENERGY STARfor hybrid vehicles purchased for personal use.

Use IRS Form 3800 PDF Exit ENERGY STARfor hybrid vehicles purchased for business purposes.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
$2,500–$7,500

The first 250,000 vehicles sold get the full tax credit (then it phases out like the hybrid vehicle tax credits).

Effective January 1, 2009.

1Subject to a $1,500 maximum per homeowner for all improvements combined.