HouseMaster Urges Homeowners to Make Energy Efficient Renovations to Meet the
February 1st Home Renovation Tax Credit Deadline

    
    HouseMaster Identifies Energy Efficient Fixes to Qualify Homeowners for
    Home Renovation Tax Credit




    
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<p><location>EDMONTON</location>, Alberta, <chron>Jan. 29</chron> /CNW/ -- HouseMaster, the first and one of the largest home inspection organizations in <location>North America</location>, urges homeowners to be proactive and make cost-effective home renovations in order to meet the <chron>February 1, 2010</chron>, deadline for the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC).  The HRTC is a non-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenses for improvements to a house, condo or cottage incurred before <chron>February 1, 2010</chron>. The 15 percent non-refundable tax credit can be claimed on eligible expenditures between <money>$1,000-$10,000</money>.</p>
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<p>HouseMaster is pleased to offer homeowners energy-efficient upgrade ideas that qualify as eligible HRTC renovations and will continue to save money over time.</p>
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<p>"Making your home energy efficient is a great place to start when it comes to renovations," said <person>Kathleen Kuhn</person>, President of HouseMaster. "We urge homeowners to take advantage of this tax credit and to maximize their returns by looking to make energy efficient improvements to their home that will continue to save them money in the long-term and increase the home's value."</p>
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<p>Leaks and poor insulation are the two most common culprits that allow heat and air conditioning to escape from homes.  HouseMaster offers homeowners the following guidelines to minimize those weak areas and cash in on the HRTC.</p>
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    1. Purchase new windows
    
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<p>Drafty windows and doors can result in the loss of between five and 30 percent of a home or condo's energy. Storm windows can play a key part in your energy-saving plans because they act as a wind buffer, and the air trapped between the storms and the prime windows acts as insulation. In addition, storm windows protect the prime windows from the weather, which can extend the time between paint jobs required on the house.</p>
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    2. Invest in a new furnace
    
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<p>If your home has an older, inefficient furnace, investing in a new Energy Star-certified furnace may save as much as 50 percent on your heating bill.</p>
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    3. Find the right storm door
    
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<p>Storm doors can add draft-stopping ability, insulation, and protection to a home's entry doors. The better the installation and the tighter the fit of a storm door, the more effective it will be.</p>
<p>Most storm doors have an adjustable bottom that can slide up or down once the screws holding it in place are loosened. This adjustability allows the door bottom to fit snugly to the door's threshold eliminating drafts.</p>
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    4. Sidewall and garage insulation
    
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<p>Homes lose heat through sidewalls.  Many older homes are prime candidates for this upgrade.  Several different materials can be used for sidewall insulation: cellulose fiber, fiberglass, and a number of different types of foam. Each will not only retard heat flow from the inside of the house to the outside but will also cut down on air infiltration through gaps in the sheathing and other areas.</p>
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    5. Upgrade attic insulation
    
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<p>Typically most attics do not have nearly enough insulation or have insulation that isn't working as well as it should be. Adding more insulation to your attic is one of the best ways to increase a home's energy efficiency.  Fiberglass and cellulose fiber are the two most common attic insulation materials.  It is imperative that the insulation you choose fits tightly into every nook and cranny of the attic to eliminate any gaps and holes that could cause air to leak out or seep in.</p>
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<p>For more information on energy efficient tips visit <a href="http://www.housemaster.com">www.housemaster.com</a>.  A list of eligible renovations can be found online at <a href="http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/sgmnts/hmwnr/hrtc/lgbl-xpns-eng.html">http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/sgmnts/hmwnr/hrtc/lgbl-xpns-eng.html</a>.</p>
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    About HouseMaster:
    
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<p>HouseMaster is the oldest and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in <location>North America</location>.  With more than 365 franchised areas throughout the <location>North America</location>, HouseMaster is the most respected name in home inspections.  For 30 years, HouseMaster has built upon a foundation of solid leadership and innovation with a continued focus on delivering the highest quality service experience to their customers and providing HouseMaster franchisees the tools and support necessary to do so.  Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business.  HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.</p>
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    For more information please visit www.housemaster.com or call
800-526-3939.



    

For further information: Crystal DeCotiis, R&J Public Relations, [phone], [email protected] Web Site: http://www.housemaster.com