How Homeowners Can Get Tax Credits and Rebates on a New HVAC System

What to Know About This New Piece of Legislation and How it Promotes Energy-Efficient Upgrades

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the U.S. is seeing a historic increase in the price of everyday goods, from household appliances to groceries. This has made it difficult for many homeowners to make ends meet. The government has passed the Inflation Reduction Act to help make things more affordable (and reduce the country’s carbon footprint). 

This legislation makes it easier for homeowners to purchase and install eco-friendly heaters, air conditioners, and heat pumps by offering tax credits and rebates. In this blog, homeowners can learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act and what it could mean for their next HVAC upgrade. For more information about what this act entails, including its other benefits, one can read it here

The Inflation Reduction Act Makes Getting a New HVAC System Affordable 

inflationThe Inflation Reduction Act is an important tool that helps Americans stay ahead of rising energy costs while improving the environment. It is designed to help homeowners save money by reducing the cost of energy-efficient air conditioners, heaters, and heat pumps. Under the act, those who purchase qualifying new energy-efficient appliances receive tax credits and rebates. 

The amount varies depending on the type of appliance being purchased and the energy efficiency rating. In addition to providing cost savings, these appliances also help reduce energy usage in the home, providing savings on utility bills and environmental benefits as well. Qualifying households can save hundreds of dollars per appliance purchased and help support a transition to a cleaner energy economy.

What Are the Requirements for the Inflation Reduction Act’s Benefits? 

The Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient HVAC systems and heat pumps that meet the efficiency requirements. For instance, forced-air furnaces must have an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of at least 90% to qualify for tax credits and rebates. Similarly, air conditioners and heat pumps must have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of at least 16 to qualify for the benefits.  Additionally, boilers must have an AFUE rating of at least 95%, and geothermal heat pumps must have an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of at least 14.5 to qualify for the tax credits and rebates. 

It is important to note that these requirements are subject to change, so homeowners must consult with their local HVAC installer or other relevant authorities to determine the exact specifications for their particular system or pump.  Furthermore, these credits and rebates are only available for installations starting in 2023 and beyond.  With the proper information and understanding of the requirements, homeowners can take advantage of the tax credits and rebates provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. 

The Benefits of Getting a New HVAC System save

There are countless benefits to getting a new heater, air conditioner, or heat pump and replacing an older one, including: 

  • Longer lifespan 
  • Better efficiency
  • Saving money on utility bills 
  • Fewer problems 
  • Better performance 

By taking advantage of the rebates and tax credits offered in the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners will not only save money through tax credits and rebates, but because the system is required to be energy efficient, they will also save money on their energy bills. 

About Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air 

Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air has over 30 years of expertise serving Port St. Lucie, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, on-time arrival, and 24/7 emergency service. Call them today for a heater, air conditioning, or heat pump installation in Port St. Lucie, FL.

Here Are Three Ways Homeowners Can Celebrate Earth Day!

The Best Eco-Friendly Practices Anyone Can Do!

Spring is the time of year that everyone comes out of hiding and gets all of their deep cleaning done. It’s also the time of year that people tend to do home improvement projects and plan for the warm season ahead. More and more homeowners seem to be catching on to the different ways they can make their homes more eco-friendly. 

It doesn’t have to cost a large sum of money to have an eco-friendly home in today’s world. In fact, there are plenty of eco-friendly options that cost little to no money at all. Below are three ways homeowners can make their homes a little more eco-friendly this Earth Day. 

Open the Windows

Opening the windows is a great and eco-friendly option to conserve energy during the spring. It doesn’t cost any extra money and actually saves the homeowner money on their monthly energy costs, and reduces stress on the HVAC system. Spring is the time of year when the air conditioning system isn’t necessarily needed just yet. So, homeowners can get away with leaving the windows open longer. 

Doing so also helps to circulate the airflow and reduce allergens in the home, which increases the air quality as well. When the air in the house is stale, it becomes a playground for illness. 

That said, not only does opening the windows help to conserve energy, but it has numerous other benefits, including: 

  • Saving money
  • Saving the HVAC system
  • Reducing allergy symptoms

Investing in Indoor Plants

Believe it or not, investing in live indoor plants is a great option to help create a more eco-friendly home. Plants do a fantastic job of circulating airflow and refreshing the home.

plants Some plants work better than others. Eucalyptus is an excellent example of this. It is recommended that homeowners place a sprig of like eucalyptus in their bathroom or hang it from their showerhead. The plant is steam activated and releases cleansing particles into the air that removes any contaminants and cleans the air. It also helps to refresh the sinuses of the person taking a shower. The best part is that the plant continues to do this every time it is around steam for the entirety of its life. 

Nearly every houseplant has its own benefits for cleansing the indoor air, but eucalyptus is a great place to start. 

Regular Maintenance and Filter Replacements 

air filter Many homeowners choose to neglect their home’s HVAC system of regular maintenance because they feel it is a waste of money. However, investing in regular maintenance is far less expensive than what it costs to repair the HVAC and any damages it causes when it breaks down. Not to mention that a regularly maintained system lasts longer and has fewer breakdowns. 

One thing that homeowners can do on their own to maintain their AC system remembers to change the air filter at least once every three months. A clogged air filter is usually the culprit for a home that has poor air quality. If the homeowner calls in a professional, the first place they look is the air filter.

It can be hard to remember to change the air filter on time, so professionals recommend that homeowners set a calendar reminder on their phone every three months. That way, the homeowner doesn’t have to worry about remembering! Their phone lets them know! 

Elite Electric & Air Keeps Families Efficient

Whether it’s eco-friendly advice, maintenance, repairs, or replacement, Port St. Lucie, FL homeowners count on the professionals at Elite Electric & Air to do it all. They’ve served the area for 30 years with no signs of stopping because they care about their community. They always look to give their customers the best service, which is why they have a 24-hour live chat directly on their website.