High-Efficiency HVAC Upgrades Still Eligible For 2011 Tax Credits

If you want to save money on your utility bills each month, you need to consider making high-efficiency HVAC upgrades. Now is the perfect time because of 2011 tax credits that are only available until the end of the year. Act now before valuable savings expire on December 31, 2011! Here’s a guide to choosing the HVAC upgrades that are eligible for the tax credits.

Central air conditioners

Tax credits of $300 are available to homeowners who make high-efficiency HVAC upgrades in this category. For a split system, you need a unit with an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) rating of at least 13 along with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of at least 16. For a package system, look for a system with 12 EER and 14 SEER or higher.

Electric heat pumps

Tax credits of $300 are available on qualifying heat pumps. A split system must be rated at 12.5 EER and 15 SEER or higher with a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of at least 8.5. The ratings for package systems must be at least 12 EER, 14 SEER and 8 HSPF.

Furnaces and boilers

$150 is the amount available for high-efficiency HVAC upgrades in this category. A rating known as Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is used to rate how efficient furnaces and boilers are. If you choose a natural gas or propane furnace upgrade, it must have a rating of at least 95 AFUE. For an oil furnace, look for 90 AFUE or higher. Gas, propane and oil hot water boilers also qualify for the tax credit if they are rated 90 AFUE or higher.

If you’re ready to get started looking through a wide selection of qualified high-efficiency HVAC upgrades, please contact Blanton’s Heating & A/Cin Fayetteville today. Remember, the higher the efficiency is on the model you select, the more energy and money you will save over the lifetime of the unit.