Month: July 2016

The price you pay for new HVAC equipment isn’t always the end of the line. If you claim rebates on your purchases, you can shave valuable dollars off the total cost of ownership. Rebates and incentives take the financial sting out of a new purchase and allow you to benefit from upgrading older, less efficient equipment. If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, heat pump, or other HVAC appliance in your Kilgore, Texas, home, you can use these strategies to claim rebates.

Shop for High-Efficiency Equipment

Manufacturers, government agencies, and other entities typically offer rebates for equipment and devices that reduce energy consumption. These products help keep stress off the power grid during extreme weather and lower the use of non-renewable materials. If you want the best rebates, choose an air conditioner or other appliance with an excellent SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio.

The higher the SEER rating, the greater your energy savings. This ratio compares the unit’s cooling output with its energy input. In other words, it measures how much energy the unit consumes, and then determines how much of that energy goes toward conditioned air. Low SEER ratings on these units indicate lower efficiency and are therefore not the best investment.

Of course, good SEER ratings don’t just allow you access to rebates. A unit with a decent SEER rating will also prove less expensive to operate because it won’t consume as much electricity.

Learn About Tax Credits

Government agencies often give rebates and tax credits to encourage homeowners to use more energy-efficient appliances. In 2015, for instance, federal tax credits included savings for people who bought certain heat pumps, central air conditioning units, boilers, furnaces, and water heaters.

The tax credits don’t apply universally. The unit you choose must meet certain criteria, so check the current tax credit options before you shop. You must also file a separate IRS form to take advantage of it. If there aren’t any applicable federal tax credit options, check with your state government to find out if it offers any tax relief for HVAC purchases.

Contact Your Local Utility

Utility companies manage the power grid in your city or county. They want to encourage homeowners to upgrade their HVAC equipment because increased energy efficiency means lower operating costs and fewer strains on the power grid. Consequently, some utility companies offer rebates for homeowners who can prove they have upgraded their air conditioners, heat pumps, and other appliances to more efficient models.

If the power plant can’t meet consumer demand, the utility company might have to schedule rolling brownouts and other emergency intervention methods. The utility wants to avoid this at all costs, and when homeowners adopt more energy-efficient behaviors, the power demand lightens.

Check With the Manufacturer

Some rebates come directly from the manufacturer. If you buy a Carrier system, for instance, it’s a good idea to visit Carrier’s website to learn about current promotions and rebates. If you buy a certain system, you might get a rebate check in the mail. Manufacturers often run rebate promotions during winter and summer because of the increased demand.

If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, we can help you to choose the ideal unit. We’ll also let you know about rebates or incentives so that you can save as much money as possible.

Send Your Claim on Time

Don’t delay in filing your rebate. Most have an expiration date, so if you wait too long after purchasing your unit, your rebate might no longer be redeemable. Fill out the paperwork as soon as you receive your HVAC equipment and follow the instructions to send it to the appropriate party. Once it’s in the mail, you can wait for your rebate check.

If you’re taking advantage of a tax credit, on the other hand, don’t forget to include that information when you file your taxes. You’ll send it in with the rest of your tax paperwork just like any other year.

Rebates, incentives, and tax credits all help to lower the financial burden when you buy HVAC equipment. To take advantage of these promotions, call JD’s A/C at (903) 759-7483 for more information.

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