Heating Tax Credits for 2011

$500 — 2011 HVAC Energy Tax Credit

Although not as aggressive as the past two years of energy tax credits, the new round of tax credits are here for 2011.

When an aging or unreliable comfort system is due for repair, it often leaves the homeowner with a major dilemma. Repair or replace? In many cases, there are valid reasons to do either. Today, Uncle Sam is offering up to 500 reasons for replacing your older heating and cooling equipment with new, selected, high-efficiency Bryant comfort systems: income tax credits.

Starting on January 1, 2011 and through December 31, 2011, an eligible homeowner can claim 10% of the costs, capped at $500, for the installation of qualified energy efficient improvements, subject to certain limits.

Under the new law, for HVAC, the maximum a homeowner could claim is $300 for a qualified central air conditioner and heat pump, and $150 for a qualified furnace or hot water boiler, and $50 for any advanced main air circulating fan.

Beyond the change to the tax credit values, the new law will increase the qualifying standards for natural gas hot water boilers, propane hot water boilers, oil furnaces, and oil hot water boilers to 95% AFUE. The qualifying standards for natural gas furnaces and propane furnace remain at 95% AFUE.

The qualifying standard for central air conditioners and heat pumps, which were modified by the Stimulus bill in 2009, are not changed. Therefore, a central air conditioner must meet or exceed 16 SEER and 13 EER; and an air source heat pump must meet or exceed 15 SEER and 12.5 EER and 8.5 HSPF, in order to qualify for the tax credit.

Finally, the new law reinstates the lifetime credit caps, which disqualify any homeowner who has claimed more than $500 in 25c tax credits since January 1, 2005, from any further credits.

Qualifying HVAC Equipment Tax Break Down:

• Central Air Conditioners: 16 SEER and 13 EER = $300 credit
• Heat Pumps: 15 SEER and 12.5 EER = $300 credit
• Natural Gas Furnaces: 95% AFUE = $150 credit
• Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan: ECM Blower = $50 credit

Utility Furnace Rebate Program

Saving money on new energy-efficient equipment has never been easier!  Rebates are available for equipment installations on or after January 1, 2011.

Your HVAC contractor will be submitting your rebate request through our new online application system.

Take advantage of DTE Energy rebates by following these simple steps:

1. Confirm your eligibility — All MichCon residential gas customers are eligible for a 95% AFUE furnace rebate and programmable thermostat rebate.
2. Choose a participating contractor — Here is a list of participating HVAC contractors*. These contractors have been trained to submit the online application for you. If your contractor is not listed, they can receive training and user name and password by e-mailing Scott Hanna.
3. Select your new equipment — Your contractor will help you determine which HVAC equipment qualifies for rebates and properly size the equipment for maximum efficiency.
4. Install the equipment — Have your contractor install the equipment in your home.
5. Sign the rebate application — Simply provide the contractor with your MichCon account number and sign the terms and conditions form that your contractor will provide.  Your contractor will submit the completed application online on your behalf.  If you wish to receive updates about your rebate during processing, please give your e-mail address to the contractor so they can enter it on the online application form.  All applications must be received within 30 days of installation.
6. Receive your rebate check — DTE Energy will process your completed application, and you will receive your rebate check within six to eight weeks.

Federal Tax Credit Available Ends 12/31/11

Take advantage of Federal Tax Credits available on 95% AUFE natural gas forced air furnaces up to 10% of installed cost up to $150. For more information, visit energystar.gov.