FAQ

Question: How has the new stimulus bill affected the tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements?
Answer: On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that made some significant changes to the energy-efficiency tax credits. The highlights are:

• The tax credits that were previously effective for 2009 have been extended to 2010 as well.
• The tax credit has be raised from 10% to 30%.
• The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount (ex $300 for a CAC) have been converted to 30% of the cost.
• The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009–2010). However, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1,500 maximum.
• The $200 cap on windows has been removed.

Question: How do I find out what type equipment I have in my home?
Answer: Usually there is a manufacturer name tag on the inside. If not, there is a name plate on the outside of most equipment that will tell an HVAC contractor what the homeowner may need, such as a model and serial number.

Question: How often do I need my air conditioning system serviced?
Answer: Air conditioning manufacturers recommend the air conditioning be serviced once a year.

Question: How long can I expect my system to last?
Answer: Average life is 8 to 12 years.

Question: How does my heat pump work?
Answer: Your heat pump cools your home in the summer months and will heat your home in the winter by reversing the refrigeration process and by the use of supplemental electric heat elements.

Question: How often should I change my filters?
Answer: Approximately every 30 to 60 days.

Question: How many systems do I have in my home?
Answer: Check to see how many thermostats you have in your home; that should coincide with how many systems you have.

Question: What should I do if my system is frozen?
Answer: Turn your thermostat to the off position and turn the fan to the on position.

Question: What does SEER stand for?
Answer: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

Heating Tips

1. Change furnace filters often.
A clogged filter lowers the heater's efficiency by preventing proper airflow through the furnace. Low-cost filters are available from your local hardware store. Check filters monthly to see if they need changing.
2. Set back your thermostat at night and when you leave home.
Setting the thermostat back 10 degrees at night or when the house will be unoccupied can save up to 15% on heating costs. The furnace will have to run more to reheat the house, but the energy saved while the home is cooler more than offsets the extra run time to reheat the home.
3. Have your furnace "tuned up" annually.
Having your furnace cleaned and tuned annually helps the heating system operate safely and efficiently. Tuning may involve resetting the fuel-air mixture for proper combustion as well as cleaning the blower and burners to assure maximum airflow and complete combustion. New furnaces don't need to be cleaned and tuned for the first few years.
4. Let sunshine in the south windows.
Open drapes on the south side of your home during winter days and close them at night. Sun angles are low in winter, allowing substantial solar heating through all south windows. You may want to trim vegetation that shades south windows.
5. Check and replace weather stripping on doors and windows.
Air leaks around faulty weather stripping on doors and windows not only make your home drafty, but they also increase heating costs. Check for drafts, and repair or replace worn stripping.

Air Conditioning Tips