Weatherize your home and get a tax credit

DENVER - The government is giving people up to $1,500 in tax credits for energy efficient improvements to their homes.

The credit is for anything from buying insulation to replacing doors and windows to getting new heating systems. It pays for 30 percent of the cost with a maximum of $1,500.

The Internal Revenue Service says all homeowners need to do is to look for the energy certification from the manufacturer and keep the receipt.

"You certainly want to check that out up front, keep the certifications, keep the receipts for your records and when you file your tax return you will simply add this to your form 1040," IRS Spokeswoman Michelle Eldridge said.

Besides weatherizing your home, the IRS says homeowners can also use the credit for bigger investments like wind turbines and geothermal heating systems.

The credit is good for anything purchased in 2009 and it is good through the end of next 2010.