Improving the energy efficiency in your home helps you use less energy overall and save money on your utility bills. Since heating and cooling are among the biggest energy users in your home, consider making changes to your HVAC system. When you make certain changes or upgrades, you might be eligible for rebates to help lower these improvement costs. Keep the following rebates in mind when you’re exploring your options.
Renewable Energy Tax Credits
These federal tax credits can help you save a certain percentage when you have a system installed that offers a renewable source of energy. Geothermal heat pumps and solar energy systems qualify for these credits in existing homes and new construction. You can save up to 30 percent on installations done by the end of 2019, 26 percent on installations done by the end of 2020, or 22 percent on installations done by the end of 2021. Other tax credits for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, including those that use nonrenewable sources, expired at the end of 2016.
AEP Texas Rebate Programs
AEP Texas offers a rebate program that can help homeowners save money on having a high performance air conditioning system installed. The amount you can save depends on the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and tonnage of your new air conditioning system. For example, you can save up to $120 on a 1.5-ton system with a SEER rating of 16 or up to $800 on a 5-ton system with a SEER rating of 18.
Other Ways to Save
Federal tax credits and AEP rebate programs aren’t the only ways to reduce your energy usage and energy bills. Replacing an older HVAC system with a newer one that offers better efficiency, such as a qualified Energy Star system, can help you significantly lower the amount of energy you use on heating and cooling your home.
If you’re looking into improving the energy efficiency in your Coastal Bend home, please contact CCAC to find out more about how we can help you.