Time to make house energy-efficient

If you've been considering making your home more energy-efficient, now is the time to act. Not only will "greening" your home help you save on heating bills this winter and reduce your environmental imprint, but it can also cut your tax bill.

In an effort to combat growing energy problems, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act in August 2005. The law offers a tax credit to consumers making specific energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. These upgrades include everything from installing insulation to weatherproofing your doors and windows and investing in approved energy-efficient appliances.

The catch?

The tax credits are set to expire in December, so those interested in taking advantage of them will need to act fast.

The Alliance to Save Energy offers a list of home improvements that will help you save on taxes:

Furnace and boiler: credit up to $150

Exterior windows, skylights and storm windows: credit up to $200

Central air conditioner, heat pump or water heater: credit up to $300

Insulation, exterior doors: credit up to $500

Pigmented roofs: credit up to $500