Winter is coming
Crisp mornings, bright leaves falling and harvesting of fields across the San Luis Valley are the signals of what lies ahead… winter is coming. If you have watched the popular TV series “Game of Thrones,” then you know this phrase signifies that difficult and troubled times lie ahead. Are you prepared for winter?
Winter is a joyous time of Christmas celebrations, fireside family moments, hot chocolate and warm blankets. However, the upcoming season does inspire some worrying due to associated expenses: big family meals, travel, Christmas gifts and winter energy bills.
Winter is often the time we see some of our highest energy expenses. This is due to colder temperatures requiring more heat in our homes, shorter days leading to more time indoors and larger family gatherings. Now is the time to prepare and take steps to reduce your energy costs this winter:
Fix insulation defects in your attic.
Check air seals around windows, doors and other entrances into the home.
Check ducts from ventilation fans, dryer vents or HVAC systems for leaks.
Install and program a smart thermostat to heat only when and where you need it.
Install an efficient heat pump and heat pump water heater to replace existing units over 15-20 years old.
Schedule a FREE home energy assessment at www.slvrec.com/electrify-and-save.
Additional resources
Below is a list of websites on federal energy efficiency incentives. Use these links to learn more about federal energy incentives.
DOE’s Energy Savings Hub has resources on federal tax credits and rebates, and FAQs about federal rebates. (www.energy.gov/save)
DOE’s Home Energy Rebates Portal lists qualifying federal rebates in each state. (www.energy.gov/save/rebates)
The IRS’s resources page provides broad info about the energy-related aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 including the home energy tax credits and the form needed to claim the tax credit. (www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit)
Rewiring America is a website with many resources on the federal tax credits including worksheets and planning guides. (www.rewiringamerica.org)
Energy Star is a source of info on federal incentives and can help consumers learn (www.energystar.gov):
“How the Tax Credits Work for Homeowners”
“How to Claim the Federal Tax Credits”
“Strategies to Maximize Your Federal Tax Savings”
If you have upgraded appliances or made home weatherization improvements to your primary residence since 2023, then you may be eligible for federal tax credits up to $3,200 per year. The credit can be claimed using IRS form 5695 when filing the federal tax form for the year in which the improvements were made.
These federal tax incentives or rebates administered through the State of Colorado can be overwhelming to understand making it hard for people to take advantage of. If would like assistance, then start by scheduling a free home energy assessment at www.slvrec.com/electrify-and-save. We will help you evaluate energy savings opportunities for your home and take advantage of any potential federal tax incentives or state rebates. Plus, with our Electrify and Save program you’ll have options to help pay for any upgrades through our On Bill Repayment service. Start saving today!
We’re here whenever you need us. Connect with us online, in person or through our social media channels. However, you choose to connect, please let us know how we can serve you better.
The Call of the Aspen
Autumn’s symphony, a crescendo of colors,
Golden hues of aspen leaves,
Fluttering in the crisp mountain air,
Painting the hillsides with fire.
The quaking aspen, a living mosaic,
Roots entwined, a shared existence,
A community of trees, bound together,
In the harmonious tapestry of life.
The call of the aspen echoes through the valley,
A song of resilience and transformation,
A reminder of the ever-changing beauty,
Found within the heart of Colorado.
~By Dan