By Scott Brooks
Homeowners have an extra incentive to make their houses more energy efficient this year - up to $500 cash back from the federal government.
There are also a host of businesses, both large and small, that are willing to help you “go green” at home.
As the owner of Knoxville’s first Mr. Handyman franchise, Allan Ellison is offering customers a “green review” of their homes.
“We have a list of things we can do to help them save money,” he said.
The incentive is a tax credit of up to $500 on qualifying work such as installation of energy efficient products.
The credit applies to improvements done between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009.
The Mr. Handyman franchise checklist features eco-friendly tactics and product suggestions to reduce energy costs.
“People are much more aware of energy efficiency these days,” Ellison said.
He opened the local office in May and is seeing more and more clients ask what they can do to qualify for the credits.
TVA is also on the “green” bandwagon. The supplier is joining local distributors like KUB for a new In-Home Energy Evaluation Program.
Workers can provide a comprehensive in-home energy assessment and TVA is offering financing incentives to help homeowners who choose to make energy efficiency improvements.
“We feel confident the participation will be high once the programs are rolled out across the valley,” said Ken Breeden, TVA’s executive vice president for customer resources.
The program supports existing TVA efforts including the free do-it-yourself home energy evaluation. More than 65,000 evaluations have been completed since Jan. 2008.
“Our combined efforts will benefit the environment and will help keep power costs lower for all ratepayers,” Breeden said.
Some of the cost-saving ideas from Mr. Handyman include:
-Fix plumbing leaks
-Insulate your water heater
-Install low-flow toilets and shower heads
-Install ceiling fans
-Add lighting controls and timers.
Mr. Handyman or any qualified home improvement specialist will be able to help with the materials and projects.
