Several implementations to improve the quality of life are occurring at all levels of government and society and its changing our country’s entire culture. Is your house powered by wind energy? How about solar panels on the roof? Households, neighborhoods, cities, states and countries are taking measures to ensure a “greener” and prosperous 21st century.

One market that is leading the way into the 21st century is Austin, Texas. Not only is Austin one of the greenest cities in the country, but according to www.nuwireinvestor.com, Austin is currently the 8th best buyer’s housing market. Everyone and their air conditioner realizes we are slowly crawling out of a nasty recession, which means that you shouldn’t spend money that you don’t have to improve your home. But if you do have some reserve money, now is a great time to make your home more energy efficient.

If you are an Austin resident, live in an older central Austin home, and are thinking of selling in the next couple of years, now is the time to make your home more energy efficient. You will also be able to take advantage of the rebates Austin Energy offers in congruence with the tax credits from the federal government. Here are the top incentives that JH Residential recommends:

• Get up to a $1,575 in rebates for air conditioning, attic insulation, solar screens, caulking, and weatherstripping. Bonus rebates are available up to $600.

• Energy-efficient window purchases will get up to a $1,500 tax credit and an average rebate of $164.

Nearly all energy efficiency upgrades through the government tax credit will receive up to 30 percent off the cost of the upgrade, up to $1,500. Visit JH Residential’s Preferred Vendors  page to contact our recommended A/C company, QLS (Casey even came to rescue me and my new baby within a couple of hours when our A/C went out last September). To receive the tax credit, improvements must meet the new tax code requirements:

• Must be "placed in service" from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.

•  Must be for taxpayer's principal residence, EXCEPT for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, and small wind energy systems (where second homes qualify).

• $1,500 is the maximum total amount that can be claimed for all products placed in service in 2009 & 2010 for most home improvements, EXCEPT for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and small wind energy systems which are not subject to this cap, and are in effect through 2016.

• Must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement and receipts to qualify.

•  Improvements made in 2009 will be claimed on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010) — use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) — it will be available late 2009 or early 2010.

• If you are building a new home, you can qualify for the tax credit for geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaics, solar water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells, but not the tax credits for windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, or non-solar water heaters.