Q: I recently installed new windows and a new garage door for my home. What do I need to do to make sure I get my energy credits on my income tax?

HARRIET THOMPSON
North Hills

A: David Stewart of the Internal Revenue Service said homeowners who make certain energy-saving improvements to their homes will be able to take a tax credit of up to $500 during the next two tax seasons.

"You can claim $200 this year and $300 next year," said Mr. Stewart, "or you can claim all $500 on this year's tax return. There is a $500 energy credit maximum over the next two years."

By tax time, there will be a new form available: Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits.

The good news is that this is a tax credit, not a deduction. That means you subtract the amount from the tax you owe.

There are limitations. You can only take a $200 credit for window replacement, even if you spend thousands. Install a highly efficient furnace or boiler, and you qualify for a $150 credit. A new water heater or heat pump can mean a $300 credit. But no more than $500 in total credits for the two years.

For more details, go to www.irs.gov.

Q: This week I received a letter from Dominion, my gas provider, wanting me to enroll in the Dominion Peoples Plus Price Secure program. This will lock in my rate at $8.45/mcf (thousand cubic feet) until January. In February the rate would go up to $10.95/mcf. Is this a good thing to do or not?

J.J. LUNIEWSKI
North Versailles

A: There are no easy answers when it come to gas choice, J.J.

Many people who have been with a natural gas supplier for years are switching back to their regulated utility company. I can give you arguments both ways, but the decision to switch or not to switch is up to you. Although things seem to be quieting down when it comes to oil and natural gas prices, there are no guarantees that gas suppliers will be saving consumers any money this winter.

If you haven't selected a gas choice company, this may not be the best time to jump in. You could easily end up paying more for your natural gas, not less.

In general, I don't agree with the "price secure" part of the pitch. Many gas suppliers sell locking in a price as a great budget helper. After all, you will know exactly how much you will be paying for the natural gas. If I am locking in a higher price, why bother? I'd rather wait and be surprised.

One reason this might be a good time to switch from Dominion Peoples gas company to the supplier Dominion Peoples Plus is that for the first time in many moons, Dominion Peoples has a negative gas cost adjustment. It's minus 44 cents.

The gas cost adjustment charge changes quarterly. You continue to pay that charge for one year after you switch to a gas supplier. After that, it disappears from your bill. So getting a minus charge instead of a plus for three months is a good thing.

The problem is that for some reason, the gas companies can't use modern technology for switching customers. It takes from two to three months. By then, that minus gas cost adjustment will be gone and a new gas cost adjustment will be in place.

Will $10.95 per mcf be a good price or a lousy price in February? Who knows? Gas choice is your choice and right now, it's not an easy one.