Weatherization tax credits need protecting

I live in a home that, after 25 years, needed upgraded insulation to keep up with Iowa’s tough winters. With grant funding from the City of Iowa City and the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit, I was able to move forward with the project.

Since then, I’ve tracked my energy usage and found a 15—20% drop in energy needed to keep the house warm. That translates directly into lower energy bills, a welcome relief during the winter months.

One reason I started with weatherization was to prepare the house for a cold-climate Air Source Heat Pump (ccASHP). By improving insulation first, I will be able to reduce the size and cost of the ccASHP I will need. Heat pumps are extremely efficient and can keep the house comfortable year-round. To make that next upgrade affordable, I’m counting on the 25C tax credit again.

Unfortunately, I’ve recently heard that these tax credits are at risk. That would be a hardship for many households. These credits help families afford the up-front cost of energy-saving upgrades — upgrades that pay off over time reduced energy use. They also support local contractors doing this work every day.

We need to call on U.S. Miller-Meeks and other lawmakers to defend the 25C tax credit and not just the tax credits that only benefit large corporations. It is a smart investment for homeowners, for small businesses, and for Iowa’s energy future.

Frank Wildensee

Iowa City