Government Tax Credit for Air Conditioners

Good news! There is still time to get in on the government’s tax credit for new appliances! The 2011 tax credit is worth 10% of the cost of your air conditioning installation job (up to $500). Other than that, the conditions are largely the same. If you are installing a new air conditioning unit in your Maryland or Washington, DC home and want to get in on the tax credit, here are some things you should know:

Your new air conditioning unit must be installed by the end of 2011

In order to qualify for the tax credit, your new air conditioning unit must have been installed between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011.

Only certain central air conditioner models qualify

In order to qualify for the tax credit, your new air conditioning unit must meet the following requirements:

• Split system air conditioners (air conditioners with an outside condenser and an inside evaporator coil) must have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) greater than or equal to 16, and an Energy Efficient Ratio (EER) greater than or equal to 13.
• Package air conditioning systems (air conditions that have all of the components located in one cabinet) must have a SEER greater than or equal to 14 and an EER greater than or equal to 12.

If you have a split air conditioning system you will need to replace both the outside condenser and the inside evaporator coil in order to qualify. This is because your air conditioning system will not operate at tax credit levels unless both units are replaced.

You may have to replace your furnace as well as your air conditioning unit

Most new central air conditioners will only be eligible for the tax credit if you also replace the air moving device that pushes the cool air through the duct system. Usually, this is the job of the furnace. If you have recently replaced your furnace, check and see if it has an advanced main circulating fan. If it does, then a new air conditioner will probably qualify with it. Also, make sure that your furnace and air conditioner are the same brand. Otherwise, they will not be able to qualify.

Ready to install a new air conditioner in your Maryland or Washington, DC home? Call Michael Bonsby HVAC & Plumbing today. We can help you install an air conditioning unit that qualifies for the government’s energy tax credit.