For immediate release
February 16, 2009
Media contact: Kevin Holland
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When President Obama signs the American Recovery and Revitalization Act of 2009 into law tomorrow, homeowners will have a significant tax incentive to make improvements to the overall energy efficiency of their homes, including their HVAC systems.

The new law will allow homeowners to claim 30% of the costs (up to a $1,500 limit) for the installation of higher efficiency furnaces and boilers, air source heat pumps, central air conditioners, and hot water heaters in tax years 2009 and 2010. The previous tax credits were limited to $300 for central air conditioners and heat pumps and $150 for furnaces and boilers.

The final package as passed by Congress contains changes to the equipment that qualifies for these tax credits, including an increase in the minimum SEER level for central air conditioners and a decrease in the minimum AFUE level for boilers. There were also changes to the heat pump standards.

Members of ACCA may review a complete summary of the tax credits online, including answers to frequently asked questions, as well as a spreadsheet listing qualifying equipment minimums.

"Surveys show that homeowners want to install higher efficiency appliances but the higher investment costs have always been a barrier," said Paul T. Stalknecht, ACCA President & CEO. "These tax credits help shorten the payback period and allow homeowners to benefit from lower utility costs and increased comfort, all while consuming fewer fossil fuels."

For more than forty years, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America has served the educational, policy and technical interests of the small businesses that design, install, and maintain indoor environmental systems. ACCA is a non-profit organization with members in all 50 states and over 20 countries. Learn more at www.acca.org.

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