THE ENERGY BILL AND YOU
Take advantage of homeowner tax credits NOW!

The Comprehensive Energy Bill, passed over the summer, includes a number of incentives for homeowners to upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment.

• Homeowners can take up to $300 in tax credits associated with purchase of a qualified natural gas, propane, oil furnace or hot water boiler, as long as the product has an energy factor of at least 0.80. (Our Bosch AquaStar tankless water heaters meet this qualification.) Homeowners may take a $150 tax credit for each purchase of this product that meets an annual fuel utilization (AFUE) of at least 95.
• Consumers can receive a credit of up to 30% of the cost, or up to $2,000, for installing solar-powered hot water systems used exclusively for purposes other than heating swimming pools and hot tubs.
• Consumers can receive tax credits up to $500 on the amount they spend to upgrade thermostats, to caulk leaks, or to stop energy waste.
• Consumers can receive up to $200 credit for installation of new exterior windows.
• Consumers can receive up to $300 credit for purchases of a highly efficient central air conditioner, heat pump or water heater.
• Consumers can receive a 10% investment tax credit for expenditures with respect to improvements to the home's envelope (the outer layer of your house that separates living space from the outdoor elements).
  

Here in New Jersey ...

The New Jersey Clean Energy Program is a national leader in rebates and tax credits for clean fuel alternatives. The Garden State is now second only to California in terms of solar, or photovoltaic, systems because of the incentives. As of November 2005, the number of solar systems numbered 850, totaling about $44 million in rebates paid for through fees assessed on utility bills.

Typically, a residential system costs $8 to $10 per watt, installed. Homeowners installing solar power could recoup up to 70 percent of their costs in rebates from the Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

As a further incentive, New Jersey has "net metering," which allows an electrical meter to spin forward when using electricity from the grid, and backward when it's feeding electricity to the grid. A homeowner receives credit for excess power created. Another savings is from an exemption from New Jersey's 6% sales tax for solar-electric-system equipment.

Tax credits are also available to those who purchase hybrid or diesel cars.

Consumers who want to take advantage of the energy bill tax breaks for their home must do so between Jan. 1, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2007.

More information on New Jersey's Clean Energy Program can be found at http://www.njcep.com/html/

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A Breakthrough In Oilheat Technology

For years, the Oilheat Industry has been evolving, making truly significant strides in the performance and design of Oilheating equipment. Today, new equipment efficiency is rated at 85%, running cleaner than alternative energy sources and using less fuel than ever before.

Yet, the technology keeps getting better.

The Beckett Corporation, an industry leader in the manufacture of Oilheat equipment is currently developing a new product advancement that promises to be the foundation for a whole new generation of Oilheat appliances. Recently the focus of industry trade publications and trade conferences, Beckett has announced that the company is beginning field demonstrations this heating season.

The new equipment has enhanced heat transfer characteristics that will greatly improve efficiency and reduce already low emissions to near zero levels. What's more, this new equipment is perfectly adaptable to existing heat exchanger designs and uses conventional components.

The result will be equipment that is exceptionally clean-burning throughout its operating cycle, reducing fuel consumption and perhaps even eliminating the need for refractory liners.

At Dixon Bros., we're tracking these new developments with much anticipation and we will, of course, keep our valued customers posted as new information becomes available. And we will certainly make this new technology available to our customers as soon as it is feasible.

Stay tuned...!