Take advantage of tax breaks with cell shades

With the economy still lagging, the housing market continues to struggle. According to the Herald Times Reporter, as fewer homes are being built, many homeowners are turning to renovation rather than looking for a new house altogether.

Experts told the news source that the most popular areas to remodel are kitchens and bathrooms.

"Kitchens and bathrooms are always popular," home builder Mark Pekarske told the outlet. "Some additions now like master suites. And people are spending more money on energy- efficiency and green products."

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 created incentives for installing green and energy efficient technologies in the home when renovating. The program provides tax credits of up to $1,500 and reimbursement up to 30 percent of equipment costs for systems installed until December 31.

There are a number of ways to take advantage of the program, especially when it comes to window treatment. Woven bamboo shades are both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Energy efficiency can be achieved by hanging cell shades because they will reduce heating and cooling costs by either keeping harmful sunlight out in the summer or retaining heat in the winter.