Use Your Tax Credits While There’s Still Time

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Having energy-efficient equipment installed in your home is an investment that will pay off in numerous ways as time goes by. You will not only benefit from decreased utility payments and improved comfort; you’ll also be eligible for federal tax credits to defray the upfront costs.

It’s not too late to enjoy tax credits for the 2013 tax year. Many credits are available to any homeowner who has qualifying equipment installed before the end of the year. The following types of HVAC equipment installed in your home maUse Your Tax Credits While There's Still Timey qualify you for a federal tax credit:

  • Central air conditioners – Homeowners can enjoy a credit of up to $300 if their central air units are eligible based on Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) minimum ratings. A/C units must have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 16 or more for split systems or 14 or more for packaged systems.
  • Furnaces – Furnaces that run on propane or natural gas and have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 95 percent or more can qualify homeowners for a $150 tax credit.
  • Air-source heat pumps – A credit of up to $300 can be enjoyed by homeowners if their heat pump meets minimum efficiency standards. Requirements depend on whether a heat pump is a split system or a packaged system. For split systems, the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) must be at least 8.5, EER at least 12.5, and SEER at least 15. Packaged system heat pumps qualify for the tax credit if they have an HSPF of 8 or more, EER of 12 or more, and SEER of 14 or more.

Qualifying for a tax credit for your HVAC equipment usually involves acquiring a Manufacturer’s Certificate that shows that an HVAC device meets the minimum requirements for the federal tax credit. Also, take note that the tax credits apply to qualified upgrades made during 2012 as well, and the total amount of credits taken by any one taxpayer cannot exceed $500.

For more information on qualifying for energy-saving tax credits, consult with the experienced professionals at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We provide excellent services to the Yuma area.

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

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