Keep Warm with Rebates on Home Furnace Installations

From Margaret on October 11th, 2011 in Air Conditioning & Heating

home-furnace

With cold temperatures quickly approaching, time’s running out to check on your home heating system. You don’t want to wait until your teeth are chattering in your own living room to consider what it takes to get your home heated efficiently.

Because furnaces are the most commonly used residential heating system in the country, you can bet that Energy Star is offering ways to save money as well as energy, while still keeping your home toasty. Here are our suggestions for your furnace installation, before those cold gusts come blowing through.

For pricing on furnace installation in your area, click here.

First, what condition is your furnace in? And is it modern enough to get you the most efficient heating and lowest energy bills possible today? Whether you have a gas or even an oil furnace, it pays (literally) to consider your furnace’s efficiency.

Going with a more efficient heating system can actually save you money continually on lowered utility bills. Consider the quiet operation that a newer system can offer, not to mention the reliability throughout the long winter months.

Energy Star-qualified oil and gas furnaces have annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 85% and 90% or greater, making them up to 15% more efficient than standard models. Not to mention higher-efficiency blower motors.

cozy-fireplace-room High-efficiency furnaces can be significantly more expensive than other standard and therefore less efficient models. Like most modern and efficient appliances, the upfront cost majorly repays itself over and over again. The higher heating price can be offset by incentives and rebates.

Throughout the country, furnaces and other heating solutions, even geothermal and biomass stoves, can benefit from a federal tax credit of 30% of the initial cost—up to $1,500.

One such federal incentive includes purchases made specifically in 2011, and includes new equipment meeting the tax code requirement. The rebate offers hundreds of dollars back, and expires at the end of this year. Check it out and plan to save!

While it is technically possible to install a new furnace on your own, we recommend leaving such an important and technical task to a professional. The entire process might seem daunting, especially choosing the right appliances for a rebate and knowing what will be most efficient and money-saving in the long run.

Don’t go it alone. Hire a local contractor, who can make sure that you get your full rebate and tax credit. Many places like Arizona (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, we’re looking at you!), where the thought of proper and efficient heating is eclipsed by air conditioning, offer outstanding contractor resources to help you on your way to a warmer, more efficient winter home.

Click here to check contractor rates near you.

Photos via Houzz

6 Responses to “Keep Warm with Rebates on Home Furnace Installations”

Home Improvement CT Says:

October 14th, 2011 at 2:36 pm

I am planning for buying and installing a home furnace at the end of this month , many people told me not to , but i think it’s the best. After reading this article, i am sure i am 100% right.. Thanks for this great article. good work.

Austin Heating Service Says:

November 10th, 2011 at 11:42 am

Excellent point about the advantages of modern energy efficient heating systems. The way energy costs have increased in the past two years, many homeowners would be well-advised to replace their current furnaces for one with better SEER, AFUR and HSPF ratings.

The savings in energy costs can quickly pay back the cost of the heater system replacement. And most heater replacements (especially with new Energy Star systems) are subsidized by Federal, State and Local tax incentives, further reducing the payback period.

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December 22nd, 2011 at 12:55 pm

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About the Author:

Margaret Everton
I ran a design boutique in Beverly Hills before designing and consulting about children’s spaces privately. I also consult and write often about efficient living and green design. In this web-wide world of design, I offer virtual consulting and design packages, and love to help create successful spaces. I believe that a deliberate environment increases the happiness of families and individuals—deliberate in style and aesthetics as well as functionality. The oldest of six children, and a parent of two, I have also personally seen how good design matters. In the hustle of daily life, sometimes the greatest parental tool is a calm atmosphere in which to unwind and engage with each other.