Energy Star

• This is the title of the federal program that provides tax credits for you. It was started in 1996 by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy with the intention of persuading homeowners and businesspeople to buy appliances that help the environment. Watch for the Energy Star title on any home appliances you buy: They're the only ones that count toward the federal tax credit.
  
  

Products That Qualify

• According to Energy Savers from the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star-approved kitchen appliances you may buy include dishwashers, freezers and refrigerators. For heating and cooling, you may buy air conditioners, heat pumps --- including geothermal units --- and furnaces. Washing machines also apply, as do boilers.
  
  

Amount of Tax Credits

• You may receive a uniform amount of credits on numerous appliances, as of 2011. For instance, you may receive a $300 tax credit buying an Energy Star-approved biomass stove. Energy Star appliances typically gain you a $300 or 30 percent tax credit. Only two appliances provide for a more substantial $500 credit, plus 10 percent of the cost: energy-efficient roofing and insulation. Overall, you have a $500 lifetime limit on taking the tax credit through December 2011. As of publication, it's unknown whether the credits or lifetime limit will continue into 2012 and beyond.
  
  

Filing for the Credit

• To file your tax credit, fill out IRS Form 5695, or the Residential Energy Credits form. Part 1 of the form requires information and totals on any nonbusiness energy property; Part 2 involves information and totals for a residential energy-efficient property. Attach Form 5695 to your 1040 form when filing your taxes.