There’s good news for homeowners looking to make their spaces more efficient: The latest energy upgrades can help you reduce your energy bill, earn tax credits or even get a reduction on your insurance premium. “Almost any type of thing you want to buy for your house has some type of tax credit,” says David Evans, of Evans Construction. “If people look for it, they’ll find it.”

1. Performance 17 Two-Stage Air Conditioner

This ultra-efficient air conditioner has a SEER rating of up to 17.0 and lowers overall A/C energy consumption by up to 40 percent, compared to standard systems. The system uses Puron, an eco-friendly, chlorine-free, non-ozone-depleting refrigerant, paired with an advanced motor technology that matches power usage to required airflow. 
Get it at: Carrier Hawaii.
What’s in it for you: You can lower your energy costs by up to 40 percent and save up to $1,500 in federal tax credits, according to Carrier.

2. Solar Conversion Kit

Use this kit to convert any roof vent into a solar-powered vent. You can boost the performance of existing passive vents and, because it’s solar-powered, there is no electrical hookup and it costs nothing to operate.
Get it at: Hawaii Skylights & Solar Fans.
What’s in it for you: The solar-panel portion of the conversion kit qualifies as a PV system and is therefore allowed up to a 30-percent federal tax credit. For more, visit hawaiiskylights.com and click on Federal Tax Credits.

3. The Taco Variable-Speed Solar Control Circulator

Control your hot-water heater with extreme efficiency using a pump that combines solar water-heating and variable-speed pumping technology. “The pump varies its speed to meet the amount of sun that’s available, rather than turning on at full speed, then off,” says Aaron Langhoff of
R & R Solar Supply. 
Get it at: R & R Solar Supply.
What’s in it for you: An increase in system efficiency of up to about 20 percent, according to Langhoff. The circulator slows down when heat load is light, which conserves fuel and uses less electricity, and increases only when more heat is needed.

4. SeasonView Window

Transform your back lanai from a screened-in outdoor room to one that’s sheltered from the rain on all sides. Featuring four vinyl-glazed sections that can glide up or down vertically, stacking at the bottom, or hold at any position on the window jamb, these windows can slide and stack to open to 75 percent of the frame. When opened, the fiberglass bug screen keeps insects at bay. The tinted panels add shade and reduce the amount of solar heat that enters your home, allowing you to cut down on energy used to cool it.
Get it at: Custom Contractors Inc.
What’s in it for you: A decreased need for fans or A/C, which translates to a reduction in your electric bill.



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