Energy Tax Americans Install Amount Cars Installing Windows

In recent years, the U.S. government has tried to encourage Americans to install "energy-efficient" (using the smallest amount of energy possible) "appliances" (electrical equipment in a home) in their home to reduce the country's "dependence" (need to use something) on oil. One of the ways it does this is by providing financial "incentives" (something that rewards one for doing something) like "tax breaks" (a decrease in the amount of tax one must pay).

For example, homeowners who install energy-efficient windows, doors, "insulation" (material in walls and in ceilings used to prevent heat from leaving), and "HVAC" (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) systems may be "eligible" (allowed to have) for a "tax credit" (a decrease in the amount of tax one must pay).

The government is also encouraging Americans to "generate" (produce) their own energy through solar energy (capturing the sun's energy to use as power), wind turbines (using large windmills to make power), and other "renewable energy" (using resources that can be used many times) technologies. Americans who install eligible renewable energy systems may get a tax credit, too.

In recent years, Americans have also received tax credits for purchasing "hybrid cars" (cars that use gas and electricity, depending on which is most efficient), "plug-in electric cars" (cars that use electricity and are plugged into electrical outlets to charge), and "alternative fuel vehicles" (cars that use ethanol or natural gas instead of gasoline).

Getting these tax credits requires filling out some extra paperwork and completing the purchase or installation within a specific period of time, but they can be a powerful incentive to change Americans' behavior and energy consumption.