Get Paid to Go Green
Score some financial incentives by cutting back on your energy use.
Uncle Sam and your local gas and electric utilities offer financial incentives to save energy. The federal government offers a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost to install geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines and solar energy systems that are put in use by December 31, 2016 (visit www.energystar.gov).
Gas and electric utilities and state energy agencies in all 50 states offer a variety of rebates and other incentives to homeowners. For example, customers of Puget Sound Energy, in Washington, can earn up to $1,900 in rebates for insulating and weather-stripping their homes. Xcel Energy customers in Minnesota can earn up to $475 when they install a highly efficient air conditioner or furnace. In Maryland, Pepco provides in-store discounts on Energy Star–qualified compact fluorescent and LED bulbs at participating retailers.
To find rebates and incentives where you live, use the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency at www.dsireusa.org and search by zip code.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
-
What To Look for in Great Dividend Stocks
Dividend-paying stocks have lagged lately but are due for a comeback. Here's what to look for in great dividend stocks.
By Kim Clark Published
-
How to Retire Early by 40: Build the FIRE Now
It's not easy, but you may be able to retire by 40 or 45 if you take these FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) steps now.
By Jacob Schroeder Published
-
5 Ways to Save Money on Vacation Rental Properties
Travel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
By Cameron Huddleston Published
-
10 Annoying Hotel Fees and How to Avoid Them
Travel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
By Cameron Huddleston Last updated
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Bill
health insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime Membership
Amazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
By Bob Niedt Published
-
How to Haggle for Almost Anything
Smart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
By Katherine Reynolds Lewis Last updated
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID Coverage
Coronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon
Before tossing these items into your virtual shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scam
personal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
By Rivan V. Stinson Published