It is a beautiful spring morning, and although cold the view out the window is just about as far from a winter scene as we will get here in Upstate New York. Regardless, Leslie and I are thinking of fire…fireplace that is, and how ours just doesn’t work.

The issue:  We just don’t get much heat from it.  We can have a roaring fire and will only feel the heat if we are standing almost directly in front of the fireplace.  We’ve tried adjusting the damper to no avail.  We have even tried rigging a small fan beside the fireplace to move the heat with limited results.

I believe the lack of an internal fan of some kind is our problem.  There just isn’t any air movement into the room and all the heat is lost up the chimney.

Our Options:  We may need to consider buying something or upgrading or replacing our fireplace insert, and that means money. If we go the more serious route and have the insert replaced it will probably need to be done by professionals, and that also means money.

Government Cheese: It’s strange to say this but we feel a little dirty taking government rebate money as a reward for buying something.  I know the money is intended to incentivize certain behavior, and yes that money is really ours (and others’) tax money given back to us, but does that make it right?  We are by no means holier than thou having taken the housing rebate money – but what I am trying to say is that we have a level of hesitation. A small amount, but it’s there.  It’s almost like the angel and devil scenario.

Research & Resources: The devil in me wants to share these resources.  I felt like a sugar high middle schooler as I clicked through all the different things I could buy and thought of all the “savings” Uncle Sam would throw back my way.  Who just needs a fireplace insert with a fan when so much “free money” is available to improve your home?

End Result:  We are still very much in the research phase but that split-ness of mind will always exist for us.  We want to capture savings on projects we were likely to embark upon anyway but the idea the money comes from the government just leaves that morning breath aftertaste. Hypocritical?  Yes.

From the editors of Remodeling & Replacement Contractors 

Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency
Energy Star

Database of State Incentives for Energy Efficiency

Department of Energy: Tax Breaks

Do you have experience with home improvement projects and tax breaks/incentives?
What are your feelings towards government rebate incentivizing certain kinds of consumption?
Just because it is green does that make it right?

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1. Christmas comes in November: Home Entertainment Center
2. Save Money: A Unique Way to Make Coffee at Home

Tagged as: Debates, Politics and Government