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RENO NEWS
February 2009

Home Renovation Tax Credit

Looking to install a new furnace? Maybe looking to upgrade your windows? The proposed federal budget offers a temporary new tax credit for your home renovations - provided you do them soon.

The Home Renovation Tax Credit will provide a one-year, temporary 15% income tax credit (up to $1,350) on eligible home renovation expenditures for work performed, or goods acquired between January 27, 2009 and February 1, 2010. The credit may be claimed on eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000 but no more than $10,000.

BC Home & Garden Show

With Spring fast approaching, the BC Home & Garden Show is set to commence February 18th - 22nd at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.

Come by the Homeworks booth (#308) for advice and solutions to all your renovations needs. We'll have the latest in windows, heating, fireplaces and solar hot water on display.

Plus, if you book a free in-home consultation at the BC Home & Garden show, we'll enter your name into a draw to win a Weekend Getaway for Two at Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa!

Solar Hot Water 101

Did you know that domestic hot water heating is the second-highest energy cost in a typical household? In fact, for some homes it can be the highest energy expenditure.

Right now, upgrading to a solar hot water system can reduce your heating needs by 50%. Solar hot water technologies are simple, reliable and cost-effective at harnessing the sun's energy to provide hot water for your home. Every year, thousands of new water heaters are installed worldwide. In general, it consists of three main components:

1. Solar collector, which converts solar radiation into useable heat
2. Heat exchanger/pump module, which transfers the heat from the solar collector into portable water
3. Storage tank to store the solar heated water

With the recent announcement of Solar BC, there's never been a better time to upgrade your residential hot water system to the latest in energy-efficient technology. The Solar BC residential project will be facilitating the installation of over 2,000 solar hot water systems in homes throughout the province.

Grants available for consumers upgrading to solar hot water include:

PROGRAM	GRANT AMOUNT
Solar BC	$1,000
ecoENERGY	$600
LiveSmart BC	$125
TOTAL	$1,625

Getting Your Home Ready
For Spring

	CLEAN & CHECK THE INDOOR ELEMENTS OF THE HEATING SYSTEM For forced air heating systems, vacuum the registers and air intake grill; for electric heating systems, vacuum down the baseboard units.
	I DON'T DO WINDOWS Get a clear view of what's outside. Clean your windows, both inside and out. While you're at it, check for any cracked or damaged window glazing and panes along with seeing how well your weather-stripping held up over the winter.
	CHECK YOUR SIDING The winter weather is rough on the exterior siding and roof of your home. Spring is a good time to inspect wood components especially siding for rot and damage. Pay special attention to areas where paint is missing or chipping away, and where caulking is missing or damaged. These areas are especially susceptible to rot. Generally, it is better to catch rot and repair it when damage is small, since it will only get worse each time it rains.
	CIRCULATE THE AIR If your home has an attic fan, turn it on to be sure it's working before the summer heat comes. Homes and crawlspaces should be sure the vents are open and free of debris to help airflow and reduce moisture under your home. Inside your home, clean HVAC vents and change the filter. Also, now is also a good time to be sure the AC works before the heat and humidity arrive.