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Tax Credits
Did you know that making your home more efficient this year can entitle you to a 10% tax credit (for a cost up to $500)?
Lightfoot Mechanical can help you boost your home’s energy efficiency and qualify for the 2011 tax credit through upgrades to your HVAC system, adding a solar water heater, or by installing a new energy-efficient heating and cooling system. Our energy-efficient Lennox systems meet the necessary requirements; call us today to discuss which option is best for you! Read more about the 2011 tax credit for “greening” your home at the Energy Star website.
Updated Tax Incentives for Homeowners
Part of the tax extender bill passed by Congress in December 2010 made significant changes to tax incentives for federal taxpayers who install qualified energy efficient retrofits in their home, including higher efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment in their primary residences. An eligible taxpayer may claim up to $500 in tax credits, subject to caps based on the type of equipment installed.
You may now qualify for tax credits equal to 10% of the costs (up to a $300 limit) for installing a high efficiency central air conditioner, heat pump, or hot water heater. You may also qualify for tax credits equal to 10% of the costs (up to $150 limit) for installing a qualified furnace or hot water boiler. A smaller tax credit of 10% of the installed costs (up to $50 limit) is available for installing a system with an advanced main air circulating fan.
But you have to hurry because these tax credits are only available for improvements made in 2011. Not taking advantage of this incentive just leaves money on the table.
What Is Considered a High Efficiency Unit?
A split system central air conditioner must meet or exceed 16 SEER and 13 EER; package system central air conditioners must meet or exceed 14 SEER and 12 EER.
An air source heat pump must meet or exceed 15 SEER and 12.5 EER and 8.5 HSPF, in order to qualify for the tax credit. Package heat pump systems must meet or exceed 14 SEER and 12 SEER and 8 HSP.
Natural gas furnaces, propane furnaces, natural gas hot water boilers, propane hot water boilers, oil furnaces, and oil hot water boilers all must meet or exceed 95% AFUE.
For the advanced main air circulating fan credit, the fan must use no more than 2% of the furnace’s total energy. If the fan is qualified, but the furnace is not, you will not be able to take 10% off the cost of the entire furnace. Ask your HVAC contractor to break out the cost of the fan in your bill. You can get a 10% tax credit on the cost of the fan alone. If the furnace is qualified, but the fan is not, you can still take the 10% tax credit on the full cost of the furnace.
If I claimed more than $500 in tax credits under the previous tax credit programs, am I still eligible?
No. The new law reinstates the lifetime tax credit limits, which disqualify any homeowner who has claimed more than $500 in 25c tax credits since January 1, 2005, from any further credits.
Why You Should Consider an Upgrade
Advances in technology over the last ten years mean that today’s higher efficiency HVAC equipment uses less energy, runs more quietly, and provides improved indoor air quality and comfort. And by using less energy and improved refrigerants, your new HVAC equipment is better for the environment.
Most homeowners would like to reduce their energy bills with higher efficiency HVAC equipment, and these tax credit help make the initial investment more affordable.
Talk to your ACCA contractor about finding the right qualified equipment that meets your budget. They can show you how much energy (and money) you could save over the long term.
Note: Every taxpayer’s situation is different. We can’t guarantee eligibility for the tax credits. But your ACCA member contractor can help you figure out what equipment qualifies and how it can work for your comfort, health, and pocketbook.
© Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association, Inc., www.acca.org. Reprinted with permission.
Homeowner Tips & FAQ’s
- For your health and safety, have your heating system checked by a competent professional at the beginning of each heating and cooling season.
- Check your filters monthly. Replace or clean them as needed.
- When selecting a heating and air conditioning system, it’s important to not only think about the initial purchasing cost, but also about how much it will cost to operate over the years. That’s why a high efficiency comfort system makes so much sense.
- Leaving your thermostat fan switch in the ON position so it runs constantly; actually helps filter the air in your home. And, because the air is constantly moving, you get a more even temperature and better humidity control.
- Cover the ground in your crawl space with plastic to keep unwanted moisture from coming up into your home from the ground underneath.
Call Lightfoot Mechanical, we can help you today with your home comfort needs!
Call (817) 596-0309 to make an appointment