Those Energy Tax Credits Are About To Expire — Use Them Or Lose Them

There are many energy tax credits offered to homeowners that expire on Dec. 31, 2011. To receive a tax credit, install an eligible HVAC unit. If you install more than one eligible system, there is a total credit limit of $500.

These energy tax credits expire on Dec. 31, 2011:

• Biomass stoves: Thermal efficiency rating of 75 percent or higher. A credit up to $300 is offered.
• Central air conditioning: Split systems with an EER (energy efficiency ratio) greater than 13 and a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) greater than 16. Package systems with EERs greater than 12 and SEERs greater than 14. A credit up to $300 is offered, including installation costs.
• Electric heat pumps: Split systems with an HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) greater than 8.5, an EER greater than 12.5 and a SEER greater than 15. For package systems, an HSPF greater than 8, an EER greater than 12 and a SEER greater than 14. A credit up to $300 is offered, including installation costs.
• Furnaces or boilers: Natural gas or propane with an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating above 95. Oil furnaces with AFUE ratings above 90. Water boilers heated by propane, gas or oil with AFUE ratings above 90. A $150 credit is offered, including installation costs.
• Advanced main air circulating fan: Two percent of furnace energy use. A credit of $50 is offered, or 30 percent of fan costs.
• Insulation: Must meet 2009 International Energy Conservation Code & Amendments. A credit of 10 percent, up to $500, is offered; installation not included.
• Metal or asphalt roofing: Energy Star-rated roofs. A credit of 10 percent, up to $500, is offered; installation not included.
• Gas, oil or propane water heaters: Thermal efficiency of 90 percent or higher. A $300 credit is offered, with installation included.
• Electric heat pump water heaters:  Energy Star-rated heaters. A credit up to $300 is offered, including installation.
• Windows, doors or skylights: Energy Star-rated. A credit of 10 percent, up to $500, without labor or installation.

For more information on receiving energy tax credits for 2011, contact us at Rinaldi’s Air Conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about energy tax credits and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Rinaldi’s services Orlando, Florida and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!