10-Things to Know About Geothermal Heating and the Energy Tax Credit

On December 1st 2009 The Environmental Protection Agency announced revised regulations for residential geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). The new requirements approve water-to-water geothermal pumps to qualify for the Energy Star label. In the past, the geothermal standards were conventional pumps, only. This means that homeowners are entitled to a 30 percent tax credit with the installation of any geothermal heating pump.

There are several facts to know about geothermal heating pumps, energy, and the green Tax Credit.

• Since, geothermal energy does not use fuel to create electricity, it’s considered to be excessively efficient. 

• Geothermal energy’s underlying value is that it does not generate pollution. 

• Primary, secondary and new constructions qualify for the tax credit. However, rental properties are not included.

• According to energy analysts, the water-to-water pumps will be 45 percent more efficient than the conventional ones.

• The green energy Tax Credit for geothermal pumps is effective through December 31, 2016.

• Unlike the new homebuyer Tax Credit, where there are income limitations, the energy efficiency tax credits do not impose any minimum or maximum requirements. 

• Although, the geothermal heat pump Tax Credit now includes water-to-water geothermal pumps, certain components are not covered. For instance, ducts and emergency back-up systems are not associated with the geothermal heat pump’s efficiency and do not qualify for any exemptions.

• Homeowners can apply 30 percent of the installation and labor costs to the Tax Credit. 

• All ENERGY STAR qualified geothermal heat pumps are eligible for the Tax Credit. To review a list of authorized manufacturers, click on “ENERGY STAR Geothermal Heat Pumps” to review the list.

• If you’re considering geothermal heating for your home or need professional advice, Hoffmann Brothers has the answers to your heating and cooling questions. 
  

Green Conservation Tips

When consumers overextend the budget, cutting expenditures is the commonsensical approach to save costs. Reducing energy use is not only cost efficient; but it offers healthier, cleaner air quality. In other words, conservation is green friendly.

Power it down and unplug it. Unplug unused electronics. Lights, television and other plugged in electrical products are a drain on the energy load. To reduce the overall energy load, unplug any electrical items that are not in utilization.

Control the household temperature, anytime and anywhere. Consider investing in a programmable thermostat to warm and cool the house as needed. Programmable thermostats give consumers the autonomy to control the home’s temperature without wasting energy when the home is unoccupied.

Configure timers and motion sensors. When the home is vacant, exterior and interior lighting make the home appear occupied, potentially deterring intruders. Leaving the lights on while on vacation keeps the meter running on high. Instead, opt for timers and motion sensors, which can alleviate the overall energy load.

Make lighting changes. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) outpace incandescent bulbs in several areas. For starters, CFLS emit light longer. Green energy advocates contend that CFLs require significantly less electricity than standard bulbs. In summation, CFLs require fewer light bulb changes and minimize energy consumption.

Maintain the heating and cooling system. Changing the air filter every two to three months alleviates particle buildup; ultimately maximizing the performance and life span of the heat and cooling system.

Additionally, be sure to have the system inspected each year. To assure maximum efficiency and preventative care, have a reputable technician check and repair any potential problems. For example, St Louis Heating and cooling company is staffed with licensed and bonded employees.

Click on heating and cooling maintenance to learn more about promoting green efficiency in your home.

Geothermal Heating - Green Building Rebate

It’s not too late to obtain a tax credit for the installation of a geothermal heating system. The extended legislation is effective through December 31, 2016. In the state of Missouri, residential homeowners have a slew of clean energy tax rebate enticements to take advantage of and save energy costs. From geothermal heating to the programmable thermostat, rebates and credits cover a wide scope of eco-friendly incentives for the single family home.

Homeowners, who install geothermal systems, may be able to claim up to 30% off the installment. Among the geothermal heating credit, Missourians may qualify for a home energy audit, which credits up to a $1,000 limit per individual or a cumulative limit of $2,000 per joint taxpayer return. 

Area residents, who plan to winterize the home and qualify for the Green Building Rebate, have a bevy of clean energy and air alternatives in the home. Green technologies, which qualify for the tax credit, include:

§       Energy Audits

§       Geothermal heating

§       Home insulation upgrades                 

§       HVAC equipment / Maintenance

§       Programmable thermostats

§       Rain sensing irrigation equipment 

The maximum credit incentive for a residential single family is $2,210. 

Serving, Washington, O’Fallon, Lake, St. Louis and West St. Louis in Missouri and Columbia, Belleville, Fairview Heights, Jerseyville, Alton, in Illinois, Hoffmann Brothers is a qualified authorized HVAC contractor, who is participating and servicing single family homes in the Midwest.

Despite the generous tax rebate incentives, consumers who are interested in taking advantage of the Green Building Rebate should be aware that eligibility hinges on the installation of ENERGY STAR ® and other stipulations. 

Contact Hoffmann Brothers geothermal heating department to learn more about qualifying for the statewide green building rebate.

Heating and cooling systems that qualify for the rebate include:

• Air Source Heat Pumps - $250
  
• Central Air Conditioning - $100
  
• Gas Furnaces - $125
  
• Water Heaters-Electric Heat Pump- $150
  
• Water Heaters-Gas Condensing- $150
  
• Water Heaters-Gas Storage - $100
  
• Water Heaters-Gas Tank-less- $100
  
• Water Heaters-Solar (With Electric Backup) - $500
  
• Water Heaters-Solar (With Gas Backup) - $500
  

Source: Department of Natural Resources

 

How-to Control Expenses While Traveling

Vacation planning, also calls for reducing energy consumption, while the home is vacant. Reducing energy costs is a consumer smart tactic for traveling and controlling expenses. From changing lights, reducing the thermostat to the maintenance of the heating and cooling system, several factors influence energy conservation. When equipment is dirty or requires maintenance, it begins to impel higher energy usage.

Use this checklist (below) to reduce energy costs and ensure that your heating and cooling system operates safely and efficiently.

• Water damage is the adverse effect of a plugged drain. Find a licensed contractor to inspect your furnace, central air conditioner and / or heat pump’s condensate drain.
  
• Dirty coils hinder the cooling performance of the air conditioning system; prolonging the span that equipment is powered on, ultimately raising energy. If you’re on vacation, the extra energy loads will trigger spikes in your electricity bill. Hire a contractor to clean or replace any dirty coils.
  

Important Note: While certain tasks are easy enough to do-it-yourself, a licensed and bonded, heating maintenance contractor will alleviate any unforeseen accidents.

• Check all electrical connections to determine if they are tightened securely. Heating systems with improperly affixed electrical connections may trigger a serious malfunction. Not to mention, defectively, configured connections shorten the lifespan of the equipment.
  
• Heating and systems, lacking adequate lubrication, intensify the electricity load. Make sure that the moving parts are appropriated lubed.
  

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Before departing for your trip:

Set lamps on timers. For the best energy efficiency, replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Change air filters. Dirty air filters hinder the performance of any heating and cooling system, requiring a heavier energy load. Replace the air filters of the heating and cooling systems.

Unplug all electronic items. Plugged yet powered down electronics attribute to the electricity load. To minimize costs, unplug any electrical items that do not keep food cool.

Contact Hoffmann Brothers, a trusted heating and air conditioning company, for all your furnace, heat pump and central air conditioning maintenance and repairs needs.