Americans saved $18 billion last year just by choosing Energy Star labeled products. The seal awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy means that the product will operate on far less electricity than appliances that do not have the seal. When you choose energy-efficient products, you also may qualify for hundreds of dollars in federal tax credits.
The federal government developed the program to encourage conservation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. There are a number of household products that can earn the Energy Star seal, from refrigerators to furnaces to light bulbs. The Department of Energy sets efficiency standards that manufacturers must meet to earn the seal.
For obvious reasons, in Arizona, the biggest drain on the power grid comes from air conditioning. An upgrade to an energy-efficient A/C unit could cut utility costs in half depending on the age of the model it replaces. The efficiency of air conditioning is measured by the SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. For an A/C unit to qualify for the Energy Star label, it must have a SEER rating of 16 or above.
The federal government offers the biggest tax credits to homeowners who upgrade their HVAC equipment. A new A/C unit could bring a tax credit of $300 and so will an energy-efficient heat pump. The climate in Yuma is perfect for the use of a heat pump instead of a conventional furnace and A/C system, and will provide you with even more savings on your utility bill. A geothermal heat pump is even more efficient, and if you go with Energy Star, you will get a tax credit to cover 30 percent of the cost of the unit.
If you have any questions about what types of energy-efficient equipment will work best in your southwest Arizona home, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric. Hansberger has been taking care of the heating and cooling needs of Yuma for nearly 60 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about Energy Star and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Hansberger Refrigeration & Electric Co services the Yuma area in Arizona. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
