Along with summer temperatures, your energy may also be on the rise, but you may be able to find some relief with Federal tax incentives for purchasing a new qualifying cooling system.
Consumers who purchase a high efficiency cooling system may be eligible for tax incentives of up to 10 percent of the qualifying equipment’s expense, or up to $300. Certain cooling systems that were installed between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013 are eligible for these tax incentives.
In recent years, air conditioning systems have come a long way in terms of energy efficiency. The best air conditioning systems on the market today use as much as 30 to 50 percent less energy than the systems manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s, but even replacing a system that is only 10 years old could reduce your cooling costs by between 20 and 40 percent.
What to Look for When Buying a New Air Conditioner
In order to qualify for the 2012 and 2013 tax incentives, air conditioners must meet the highest level standards as set forth by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE). The CEE rates air conditioners by their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which refers to the amount of energy needed to produce a certain output. The minimum SEER allowed is 13, but visit the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute’s website to learn more about systems that qualify for the tax incentives.
The size and installation of an air conditioning unit also plays a role in the system’s efficiency. A unit that is too small will not be able to effectively cool the space on a hot day, while a unit that is too large will not be able to remove humidity adequately. The efficiency of an air conditioner can also be diminished by improper insulation and duct installation, as well as the location of the unit.
McWilliams & Son Heating and Air Conditioning has been serving the Lufkin and Nacogdoches area for more than 30 years. For more expert advice on choosing an energy efficient air conditioning system for your home or information on any other heating and cooling related issues, please contact us .
