Rebates and Tax Credits

We're talking to a company about doing some of the Energy Star work. I wanted to keep track of what is available in terms of rebates (the company we are going to meet with is in the Georgia Power program and willing to come to Athens!) and federal tax credits. Looking at testimonials from Angie's List on the possible contractor's web site, it looks like insulating the attic is likely to cost between $800 and $2500. We'll get a formal estimate before we decide to go forward, of course, but I was glad to find some ballpark information.

GA Power Rebates:
Attic insulation (and air sealing): $200
Improve air sealing: $250

Federal Tax Rebates for 2009:
Insulation: 30% of costs, not to exceed $1500. I am pretty sure this covers only the costs of materials, not the cost of installation. I assume the contractor we are speaking to will know - the federal site links to the Georgia Power Energy Star site.

Note also for future reference that new roofs are covered, including metal roofs, at the same rate (30% of cost of materials up to $1500). Materials most be Energy Star certified and there is a list of qualifying materials at the federal site. Also, I want to remember that the federal tax rebates also cover work done in 2010, which is more likely for us with the roof work.

Finally, on the roofing note, a recent New York Times article touted white asphalt roofs. If we decide we can't afford a metal roof, I would want to look into a white asphalt shingle roof. The cost of white is said to be only 15% more than black, while metal roofs are often 2x the cost of asphalt (although much more durable).