Go Green and Save Money – Replace Your Air Conditioner
Most of us don’t really think too much about our air conditioning units until summer. But with higher temperatures arriving early this year, now is the time to take a look at your air conditioning unit before it gets too hot. Or worse – before your unit breaks.
New Tax Incentives Available for Air Conditioner Replacement
There are tax credits available to those who choose to go green and replace their air conditioning units with newer, non-ozone damaging, energy-efficient models in 2011. The federal government offers a tax credit for 10% of the installation cost (up to $500) to homeowners who install qualified central air conditioning units by December 31, 2011.
In addition, local power companies like APS, SRP and Tucson Electric Power Company may offer additional rebates of up to $525 for installation of high-efficiency systems.
- APS: SEER rating 13, $175 rebate; SEER 14-16, $425 rebate; SEER 17+, $525 rebate
- SRP: SEER rating 15, $200 rebate; SEER 16, $300 rebate; SEER 17+, $400 rebate
- Tucson Electric Power: SEER rating 14, $200 rebate;SEER 15+, $250 rebate
A more energy-efficient air conditioning replacement unit uses far less energy and can reduce your energy costs by up to 40%. Combined with the tax incentives being offered, the annual dollar savings from installing a new system may pay for itself, according to EnergyGuide.com.
Environmental Regulations on Air Conditioning Units
Not only does replacement of your older air conditioning unit with a new one provide a financial incentive, but there is an environmental benefit as well.
New environmental requirements went into effect in 2010 that regulate the chemicals used in air conditioning units. The R-22 coolant used in most central air conditioning systems manufactured in the past is a HCFC (hydrochloroflurocarbon) that causes chlorine emissions and chlorine gas is one of the manmade emissions which damage the ozone. This coolant has been replaced by R410a – a new, chlorine-free and non-ozone damaging coolant in all air conditioners sold starting in 2010.
Production of units using ozone-damaging R22 will continue until 2020 but will be substantially reduced as all air conditioning manufacturers switch to using R410a. The price for units using the old R22 is rapidly rising while the cost for the more environmentally friendly R410a units is dropping.
These newer air conditioning units are far more energy efficient than the older units, saving homeowners a significant amount of money, particularly if you live in an area which is prone to hot summers.
It’s true that replacing your central air conditioning system can be an expensive proposition, but it’s also an investment in restoring the ozone layer, which protects us from solar UV radiation, and an investment in making the air we breathe cleaner and safer from poisonous gases like chlorine. It’s also a financially sound decision. A more efficient air conditioning unit uses far less energy and can quickly pay for itself, especially when you take into account the tax incentive and rebates currently being offered.
Best of all, a new and energy-efficient air conditioning system will make it easier to keep your house cool in the summer. Consider taking the cost-effective and environmentally friendly step of upgrading to a new air conditioning unit today.
Contact Us Today About Upgrading Your Air Conditioner
With so many compelling reasons to replace that old central air conditioning unit it’s obvious that now is the time to upgrade. Don’t wait until summer when you really need your AC; do it now before it gets too hot. You’ll enjoy your first summer of energy savings while doing something great for the environment. Click here to schedule an appointment.