Dallas, TX – Nov. 4, 2010 – Energy tax credits available to homeowners by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expire Dec. 31 at midnight.
The law provides federal income tax credits of 30% of purchase price for installation of high-efficiency home improvements, including central air conditioning and heating systems and tankless water heaters. Maximum dollar amounts of credits depend on types of equipment installed.
Home energy expert Jamie Wooldridge urges homeowners contemplating purchases to act now to make certain installations can be completed before the year-end deadline.
“Inventory levels of central air conditioning equipment tend to drop off after the hot season, and some manufacturing lines shut down completely, so product availability can become a problem,” Wooldridge said. “Homeowners who delay may not be able to get their choice of equipment installed by the deadline for energy tax credits.”
Wooldridge, president of Berkeys Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., said homeowners who want high-efficiency tankless water heaters should encounter no problems, as there is no seasonal factor involved.
Choice of Contractor Is Important
Choosing a qualified contractor is especially important. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star organization estimates that more than half of central air conditioners in U.S. homes have been installed incorrectly, which reduces performance, shortens equipment life and adds to operating expense.
Wooldridge said his company’s technicians spend a lot of time fixing problems caused by faulty installations, such as improperly sized equipment, unsealed ducts, poor airflow and improper refrigerant charge.
“It does no good to buy high-efficiency equipment only to lose the efficiency because of faulty installation,” Wooldridge said. “This is not a job for a home handyman, and as our technicians can attest, a lot of people in the business don’t get it right, either.”
Extra Incentives Offered
To add extra incentives for homeowners to act Wooldridge said some companies, including Berkeys, are offering special discounts and financing. The discounts, financing and energy tax credits combine to offer homeowners compelling deals. In some cases the combination can reduce a homeowner’s total acquisition costs as much as 40% – to – 50%.
For example, through Dec. 31, 2010, Berkeys is offering a Fall Special 15% discount on high-efficiency Rinnai tankless water heaters, and an additional 15% discount for clients who have or purchase Berkeys Universal Protection Plan service agreement. The service agreement costs $99 per year and covers annual tune ups on all central air conditioning, heating and plumbing systems in a home.
Berkeys also will match federal energy tax credits on selected central air and heating systems, which means a $5,000 system will be discounted $1,500 (30% of purchase price) and the homeowner will also receive a $1,500 tax credit, for a total $3,000 against the $5,000 price. The company also offers a variety of special financing plans, including no interest for 12 months, with minimum monthly payments.
“The combination of discounts, energy tax credits and special financing make for the best deals we have seen in years, and that we are likely to see for some time to come,” Wooldridge said.
About Berkeys
Berkeys Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has specialized in the needs of homeowners in Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville and Flower Mound for 35 years. Berkeys reputation for prompt, honest service from licensed and factory trained technicians assures customers the best in professional service, combined with leading brands including American Standard, Rinnai, Toto, InSinkErator and more. Call Berkeys at 1-877-BERKEYS, or visit our Website at https://www.berkeys.com.