A new Missouri law may put some money back in your pocket down the road if you're willing to spend some of it up-front.
Getting an energy audit is now tax deductible.
While this audit may find some discrepancies, you won't be penalized for them; in fact, you'll be rewarded with a tax deduction for the cost of the audit and most of the improvements you make as a result.
There’s just one problem- auditors are limited.
"I think we did in one year's time about 160 or so."
And that number is likely to increase as demand for energy audits does.
Homeowners can deduct the cost of the audit and most of the repairs it recommends if you’re lucky enough to land John Smith of City Utilities.
“The audit has to be completed by a certified auditor,” explains Roger Korenburg with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Smith is one of just two in Springfield.
Representatives with DNR are traveling the state to talk about certification with groups like the Home Builders Association.
“We think there will be a demand for this. This is a new program- it just started for the year 2009. We think there will be a demand for these certified auditors,” Korenburg continues.
DNR is encouraging more auditors to get certified and more homeowners to use only certified auditors.
With new incentives Smith expects his schedule to be as airtight as a well-insulated home.
Auditors who are not state certified can get what's called a provisional certification good for up to one year.
That means you can use them and still get the tax credits provided they are working towards getting certified, which can cost about one thousand dollars.
For more information on energy audits visit www.cuenergywise.com or www.dnr.mo.gov/energy.