Time is running out for year end tax credits. They're good for everything from doors to appliances, but it's a smart buy only if they really need replacing. It may not be on your after-Christmas wish list, but if your hot water heater has been sputtering, now's the time to buy, because tax credits for more energy efficient products run out December 31.

"On water heaters and HVAC systems it's a $300 cap," says Joey Neal.

On doors and windows, you can get 10% back. Up to a $200 cap. This applies to things like doors.

"Windows, appliances, water heaters, refrigerators, washers, dishwashers," says Phillip Fotineas.

Pretty much anything with an Energy Star label, except for...

"Mainly your electronics, tvs, things like that," says Fotineas. "It would be improvements to the home that would increase energy efficiency."

How do you know what's eligible for the tax credit?

"One of the main things you can look at if I can pull this out, by law there needs to be a label somewhere on the product," says Fortineas. "If it's Energy Star, it has to list what energy ratings it actually has and these are minimums set forth by federal government."

One catch: you not only have to purchase the eligible product by December 31, but you also have to have it installed by that date as well. For those of you counting, that's 3 days. The tax credit is great, but energy efficient appliances and products really are the gift that keeps on giving. For a complete list of eligible products, click on FOX LINKS and look for TAX CREDITS.Tax Credits