Air Conditioning Contractors | Install Air Conditioning


	Important: Many people are hoping to get estimates entirely online. However, in order to receive accurate estimates and because every project is unique, contractors must inspect the project site. Your information is held *strictly confidential* and will only be used to allow our member contractors to set up appointments with you.

Tell Us How Our Contractors Can Reach You!

First Name:

Last Name:

Phone:

- -

Alt. Phone:

- -

Email:

Street:

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Any other details about your project? Share with us!

Privacy and Security Protected.

Tax Credit for Central Air Conditioners

When renovating your home according to current green building standards, you should consider replacing your central air conditioner with a more energy efficient model. You can now claim a federal tax credit of up to 30 percent of the cost of a new central air conditioner (maximum of $1,500 for all green home improvements) as long as the unit is in place by December 31, 2010.

Choose Between Split Systems and Packaged Systems
Decide whether you will get a split system or a packaged system. The type of air conditioner you choose won't really affect your tax credit eligibility, except that packaged systems typically have lower SEER and EER requirements. If you want a central air conditioner and central heater in one, you should opt for the packaged system which typically serves both functions.

Check the Central Air Conditioner's SEER
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This refers to an air conditioner's ability to operate efficiently for an entire season. To qualify for the federal tax credit for green home improvements, choose a split-system central air conditioner with an SEER of 16 or greater. If you want a packaged-system, choose a unit with an SEER of 14 or greater.

Check the Central Air Conditioner's EER
EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is simply the measure of an air conditioner's cooling capacity divided by the amount of energy input it requires if the outdoor temperature is at a steady state of 95ºF. To qualify for the tax credit, choose a split-system central air conditioner with an EER of 13 or greater. If opting for a packaged-system, choose a unit with an EER of 12 or greater.

Determine If You Need to Replace Your Furnace
Generally speaking, if your air conditioner is to attain the energy efficiency (EER and SEER) required for federal tax credit qualification, the blower motor that pushes and moves the air through your home's duct system must be really powerful. If your blower motor is part of your furnace, then you probably have to replace your furnace. If you need to replace your whole heating and cooling system, it's best to obtain equipment from only one manufacturer.

Get a Manufacturer's Certification Statement
Look for the Manufacturer's Certification Statement that says the central air conditioner you are purchasing is eligible for the federal tax credit. If this is not available at the point of sale, look for the certification at the manufacturer's website. If a professional contractor is handling your air conditioner purchase and installation for you, you should obtain a copy of the manufacturer's certification from him (the remodeling contractor).

One final tip: if you really want to get a tax credit for replacing your central air conditioner with an energy-efficient model, it's best to consult a remodeling contractor, particularly a contractor with HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) expertise. Remodeling contractors have resources that they can use to check which central air conditioners are eligible for the green home improvement federal tax credit.

Upgrading your Air Conditioning

According to the US Department of Energy, over half of the energy used in a home goes towards heating and cooling. Air conditioning systems have made great strides in the past few years of being more energy efficient. Couple that with the fact that an air conditioning system typically only has a 10-13 year lifespan and you may have more reasons than you need to upgrade your air conditioner.

Air Conditioning Equipment
Your air conditioning system is comprised of two major parts. The condenser units are the large boxes that house the fans. The air handler is typically in your attic or basement and houses the coils that cool and condition the air. When upgrading your air conditioning you contractor will probably have to replace both elements. These two systems work together to efficiently cool your air. Having separate parts from different years and/or manufacturers may create problems. .

Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of an air conditioning system is measured by the SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio. A higher numbers means that the system needs less energy to run. Depending on how old your current unit is, your number may be 10 or lower. Air conditioning systems on the market now usually start at 13 SEER and go all the way up to 24 SEER. The higher the rating, the higher the cost of the unit as well. If your household runs the air conditioner frequently however, a high SEER unit will pay for itself in the long run. Your air conditioning contractor can provide you with different SEER ratings and their initial costs vs. cost to run. .

Right Sized System
You may have heard this phrase recently, particularly when talking about green building or green houses. A right sized system again refers to the efficiency of the system. Basically, you do not want to run and pay for a system that could cool a house twice the size of your home. Likewise, a system that is too small for your house will be overloaded and run more. This will run your utility bills up and may not even cool your home to your desired temperature. A right sized system is sized for the heated living area of your home. Keep in mind that if you've recently added onto your home, your air conditioner's size may need to be upgraded accordingly. An air conditioning contractor can evaluate your home and system to determine what your right size needs are. .

Ductwork
When replacing your air conditioning system, your air conditioning contractor will also check all of your ductwork as well. Ducts can accumulate dust, debris, pet hair, and more over years which affect the efficiency of the system and can contribute to allergies and asthma. A contractor can remove any such debris. Also, the contractor will check for any leaky ductwork and seal it appropriately. Leaks contribute to inefficiency and cost you more.

Thermostat
When upgrading your air conditioning system, you may want to consider having the contractor install a digital programmable thermostat. This can be set at higher temperatures when no one is home, and will automatically cool the home before you arrive home from work and school. This change in temperature can save you money on your monthly utility bill.

By upgrading your air conditioner you will enjoy a more comfortable home and more manageable utility bills. Seek the advice of an air conditioning contractor in your area before purchasing any equipment. They can help you assess the needs of your home and your family and save you money. An air conditioning contractor will also ensure the new system is properly installed and you can enjoy cool air for many years to come.