Good news, “Fiscal Cliff” bill extends the 10% Energy Efficiency Tax Credit (up to $500) through 2013.  The original tax credit expired December 31, 2011.  Now energy-efficient improvements to existing homes will be extended to 12/31/2013 and also made retroactive to cover 2012.  Stop procrastinating and get to work on your to do list and save some money.  Popular energy-efficient improvements:  furnace, central air conditioning, traditional water heaters, windows, exterior doors, insulation, roof, etc.  If you’re really ambitious, you can get a one-time federal tax credit of 30% of the cost of qualifying geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, small wind turbines, or fuel cells placed in service for an existing or new construction home through December 31, 2016.  Check with the IRS or your Contractor before completing any improvement to make sure you are eligible for the tax credits.  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index