(Fort Myers – May 26, 2009) — As your cooling system ages, it can lose its ability to cool your home. And, not only does it become less efficient keeping your home at the desired temperature, an outdated system can take an increasing toll on your energy bill.
Home-Tech customers are quickly learning that today’s new central air conditioning systems are more affordable due to federal tax credits, energy rebates and more, and provide other benefits, as well. They are:
· More environmentally friendly because they use less energy;
· Less expensive to operate due to lower energy use;
· Provide additional savings through utility rebates, and
· May be eligible for federal tax credits made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Federal law now requires a minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 13 for all new central air conditioning systems. SEER measures equipment energy efficiency over the entire cooling season. Central air conditioning systems are available in a variety of SEERs, and many people purchase new units with the minimum SEER rating.
But, just replacing an outdated system with a new one does not ensure you are maximizing all the savings possible. Higher SEER units are justified by longer cooling seasons, which are typical in Florida; higher electricity costs and the longer the purchasers will own the systems. “Our customers have realized substantial savings when replacing their inefficient systems,” says Mike Hendershott, Home-Tech’s regional sales manager, “and in many cases, the new systems have higher SEER ratings than expected, yet ultimately cost the customer less money.”
Tom Sprenger, a resident in Estero, was considering a four-ton, 16 SEER replacement unit for his home, with an $805 rebate available from Florida Power and Light. Based on recommendations by Home-Tech, he upgraded to an 18 SEER system, and ultimately paid $1,055 less, despite the higher price tag. The additional savings were due to a federal tax credit of $1,500, and an increased FPL rebate of $1,200. And, those savings do not include the annual energy savings he will realize as compared to operating his old 10 SEER system. According to FPL estimates, the new system will save approximately $710 annually in cooling costs.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two, 4-ton systems:
16 SEER system 18 SEER System
Original Price $6,129.00 $6,969.00
FPL Rebate $805.00 $1,200.00
Tax Credit N/A _ $1,500.00
Final System Cost $5,324.00 $4,269.00
With an average system life of 10-12 years, Sprenger’s savings could more than pay for the purchase of his new system.
“Many people do not know rebates are available from utility companies, or they purchase units that do not offer tax credits, and spend more than necessary,” Hendershott says. Federal tax credits are available at 30% of the cost of cooling systems , up to $1,500. “Our technicians are concerned with helping the customer find the best value possible when replacing a central air conditioning system.”
Hendershott says maintenance of existing units should be performed regularly to keep their efficiencies as high as possible, and to avoid unnecessary replacement.
Employee-owned Home-Tech has been an industry leader and trendsetter in the fields of air conditioning service and installation, major appliance sales and service, home-service agreements for nearly three decades. Founded in 1981 by Steve Marino, who continues as president and chairman of the board, the privately held Home-Tech employs over 110 people and provides services in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Sarasota and Manatee counties in Southwest Florida. Home-Tech operates from two principal locations. Its headquarters, tech training facility and appliance showroom are located at 6400 Techster Boulevard in Fort Myers and a second office at 720 Commerce Drive in Venice which services Manatee and Sarasota counties.
For more information about Home-Tech, visit http://www.home-tech.com/ or call 239-433-3344.