The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Stimulus Bill) mad significant changes to the energy efficiency tax credits available to consumers.

The energy efficiency tax credits were increased from 10% to 30% and the maximum credit was raised from $500 to $1,500. What is even better about this tax credit is that it reduces your tax dollar-for-dollar (much better than a tax deduction).

You never know, you could even qualify for a utility rebate and/or state tax incentives as well. Not only is this good for the environment and your tax bill, but it should save on your utility bill as well. A Win-Win-Win proposition :o)

So how does it work, you ask? If you purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, roofs and heating and air conditioning equipment, in your existing home, you can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost, up to $1,500 for improvements you actually "place-in-service". The time frame for the work is 1/1/2009 through 12/31/2010. However, be careful, for some improvements, the credit applies only to the equipment costs.

So if you were fixin to get ready to think about such a project, the time to act is within the next 18 months. You can go to www.energystar.gov for a complete summary of the Energy Efficiency Tax Credits available.