BUYING AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT SYSTEM JUST GOT EASIER
How has the new Stimulus bill affected the tax credits for energy efficient home improvements?
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 been raised from 10% to 30%.
- The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount (ex $300 for a Central A/C), have been converted to 30% of the cost.
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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
Federal Tax Credits for Residential HVAC equipment are outlined in the table below. The various tax credit amounts are additive, with $1,500 as the maximum tax credit amount available (Except Geothermal, no cap). The federal tax credit for residential HVAC equipment is effective for products installed from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010. There are no tax credits for residential HVAC equipment installed in the 2008 calender year. To get a list of systems qualifying for the Federal Tax Credit visit the
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) website to view the database. For more information on the Federal Tax Credit visit the
EnergyStar website.
Equipment |
Efficiency |
Federal Tax Credit |
Geothermal Heat Pumps |
Closed Loop: EER >= 14.1 COP >= 3.3 |
30% of Total Job |
Split System Air Conditioning System |
SEER: 15.0 or Higher |
30% up to $1,500 |
EER: 12.5 or Higher |
Packaged Air Conditioning Systems |
SEER: 14.0 or Higher |
30% up to $1,500 |
EER: 12.0 or Higher |
Split System and Packaged Heat Pump Systems |
SEER: 15.0 or Higher |
30% up to $1,500 |
EER: 13.0 or Higher |
HSPF: 9.0 or Higher |
Gas and Oil Furnaces |
AFUE: 95% or Greater |
30% up to $1,500 |
It's a better time than ever to upgrade your home with new, energy-efficient insulation and heating equipment. Xcel Energy is now offering its natural gas customers in Colorado up to $520 cash back with the purchase and installation of new heating, water-heating and insulation solutions. Also as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, congress has reinstated the federal tax credits for high efficiency HVAC equipment that was originally part of the 2005 Energy Policy Act. The efficiency levels and the tax credit amounts for 2009 are the same as the 2005 bill. What this means for you is there are rebates (up to $520) available from Xcel Energy and Federal Tax Credits (up to $500) available from the Federal Government.
Xcel Energy's one-time rebate will help you save on the cost of your energy-efficient furnace, boiler, water heater and insulation systems. Only equipment listed with the
Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is eligible for the Xcel Energy rebate. Use the chart below to determine your rebate amount. Then go to the Xcel Energy website to download an application.
Heating and Water Heating
Equipment |
Efficiency |
Xcel Energy Rebate Amount |
Natural Gas Furnace |
92% AFUE |
$80 |
94% AFUE |
$120 |
Natural Gas Boiler |
84% AFUE |
$120 |
Standard Tank
Water Heater |
.62 EF |
$40 |
.65 EF |
$60 |
.67 EF |
$80 |
Tankless Water Heater |
.82 EF |
$100 |
The Xcel Energy Insulation Rebate Program offers valuable cash back for contractor installed attic and bypass sealing, wall insulation and air-sealing and weather stripping. Your rebate is equal to 20 percent of the total insulation and installation cost, up to a maximum rebate of $300 per customer per natural gas heating meter.