Let The Sun Do The Work

Here in the valley of the sun, even when it’s scorching outside, we still use hot water inside. Every day we need hot water for bathing, washing clothes and dishes. Solar water heaters can be a cost effective way to generate hot water for your home year round because it can be used in any climate and use sunshine, which is free!

Solar water heaters have many other advantages. First, when you purchase any solar energy products, the government offers reimbursements. Second, solar energy is renewable, making it the best green option you can use. Next, if you produce more electricity than you use, it will be fed back into the electrical grid for use somewhere else and your utility bill will carry a negative amount! Lastly, solar hot water systems can last over twenty years maintenance free.  http://www.wolffmechanical.com/water-heaters/solar/

Though there are many benefits that make solar an obvious choice for many, there are many variables that must be considered to make sure you choose the right system for you. Be sure to work with a qualified solar contractor to install your system. They will be able to guide you through choosing the best solar system for you, including teaching you about the difference between direct and indirect circulation systems, passive solar water heating, the types of storage tanks and solar collector options, and how to improve your energy efficiency and maintain your solar system for years to come.

           

Before installing a solar water heating system, these are some of the items and components of which your installation contractor should be knowledgeable:

• Evaluate your site's solar resource
• Determine the correct system size
• Investigate local codes, covenants, and regulations
• Heat exchangers for solar water heating systems
• Heat-transfer fluids for solar water heating systems  http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/solar-water-heaters

Wolff Mechanical technicians are experts in installing solar water heaters. Call us today to learn more about the cost benefits and to get a free in-home estimate. We are dedicated to helping you achieve maximum efficiency, reliability and comfort in your home. Let us show you why Wolff Mechanical is an industry leader in customer satisfaction.

Image source: http://news.softpedia.com/newsImage/Storing-the-Sun-s-Heat-2.jpg/

More Dreaded Than Summer In Phoenix!

Whether we like it or not, April 15th is quickly approaching. Time to get those taxes done. Taxes aren’t our area of expertise, but did you know there are many deductions and credits you can take advantage of for being energy efficient?

There are a number of reasons to make your home more energy efficient, but one of the benefits is to deduct expenses and receive credits from energy efficiency upgrades. The IRS’ website states, “Residential energy property is any of the following.

- Certain electric heat pump water heaters; electric heat pumps; central air conditioners; natural gas propane, or oil water heater; and stoves that use biomass fuel.

- Qualified natural gas, propane, or oil furnaces; and qualified natural gas, propane, or oil hot water boilers.

- Certain advanced main air circulating fans used in natural gas, propane, or oil furnaces."

As far as energy efficient property credits, "you may be able to take a credit of 30% of your costs of qualified solar electric property, solar water heating property, fuel cell property, small wind energy property, and geothermal heat pump property. The credit amount for costs paid for qualified fuel cell property is limited to $500 for each one-half kilowatt of capacity of the property."

But not all tax deductions for residential property are strictly energy efficiency upgrades. There are other household expenses you can deduct from your taxes if you have relocated due to employment.

If you meet the requirements, these deductions can apply not only to expenses related to the actual moving of your household items and members, but you can deduct certain costs associated with disconnecting and connecting household utilities.

"There are often household expenses that many have no idea can be deducted from your taxes. Take the time to go over your previous year tax records to see if you missed anything. You may find there are a number of things you missed that you could also be deducting this year." http://www.wahm.com/articles/tips-for-the-wahm-how-to-deduct-household-expenses-from-your-taxes.html

Please consult with a tax pro and don't say you did your taxes strictly based on what we found. We're experts in other areas, not taxes. But if you missed out on tax credits and deductions because you haven't made energy efficiency upgrades to your residential property, we are the pros to talk to! Give us a call.