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What still helps pay for home upgrades, and what to check before you sign.

This is a draft. It isn't published.

House checks

Short facts to check before a big home project. Each one links its official page. Funds and rules change, and the program page is the final word.

  1. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (section 25C) can't be claimed for improvements placed in service after December 31, 2025. Work finished in 2025 may still count on a 2025 return. See the IRS page for details.

    Official page: IRS: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. Last checked: 2026-10-29.

  2. The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule can give you until midnight of the third business day to cancel some sales made at your home. It has exceptions, so read the FTC page.

    Official page: FTC: the Cooling-Off Rule. Last checked: 2026-10-29.

  3. The U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program is run at the state and local level. You apply through your state's weatherization agency.

    Official page: energy.gov: How to apply for weatherization assistance. Last checked: 2026-10-29.

Quick self-check

A salesperson signs you up at your kitchen table. Under the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule, how long do you usually have to cancel a sale it covers?

Until midnight of the third business day. The rule covers many in-home sales and has exceptions. The seller should give you a cancellation form. If not, you can cancel with your own signed letter. Source: FTC: the Cooling-Off Rule.