Are you thinking about replacing the insulation in your home to cut down on energy usage? What about other improvements such as installing energy-efficient windows, storm doors, or a new heating and cooling system?

If you are considering energy-saving home improvements, be sure to take advantage of the current U.S. federal tax credits that have been set up to offer you an incentive and some financial support.

For certain qualifying energy-saving improvements made to your principal residence in 2010, you can save a whopping 30% of the material cost—up to $1,500—on your 2010 taxes. If you intend to make these types of improvements in 2011, you won't be able to take advantage of these exceptional savings on your 2011 tax returns, but you can still get tax credits of up to $500 for qualifying work.

To take advantage of these incentives, you’ll need to be sure the products you purchase (or have already purchased) meet the energy-efficiency standards of the federal programs. And you’ll have to document your purchases properly when you file your taxes.

Types of qualifying products include windows, skylights, sliding doors, French doors, storm doors, storm windows, insulation, air conditioners, certain roofing materials, heat pumps, furnaces, certain water heaters, pellet stoves, and more. The types of availble credits vary depending upon whether they were or will be installed (or, in some cases, purchased) in 2010 or 2011.

Below are links to the various U.S. federal tax credit programs available. On these pages, you will find specific information about what is covered, the amount of available tax credits, and how to go about properly documenting your purchases so that your credits will qualify on your federal tax return.

Storm Windows 2010-2011 Tax Credits

Exterior Doors 2010-2011 Tax Credits

Home Insulation 2010-2011 Tax Credits

Windows & Skylights 2010-2011 Tax Credits

Home Roofing 2010-2011 Tax Credits