NEWS FLASH!!!
Frigidaire has been rated buy Consumer Digest as the Best Buy for an Air Conditioning System
in the June 2009 addition
Energy Rating Requirements
Folks This is the Ratings
From The Government for
Tax Credits
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that made some significant changes to the energy efficiency tax credits.
Tax Credits for Homeowners
- The efficiency levels have been modified to reflect the highest tier of the CEE High-efficiency Specification for Residential HVAC Systems for equipment "placed in service" between Feb. 17, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2010. Please note: Equipment listed in the chart below (except water heaters, which only needs to achieve one of the efficiency specifications) must meet all performance specifications for its category. For example, a tax-credit eligible split central air conditioner must have stated performance ratings of 13 EER and 16 SEER.
- The tax credit has been raised from 10% to 30% for certain products.
- The tax credits that were for a specific dollar amount (i.e. $300 for a CAC), have been converted to 30% of the cost.
- The maximum credit has been raised from $500 to $1500 for the two years (2009–2010). However, some improvements such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, and solar panels are not subject to the $1,500 maximum.
- Improvements made in 2009 will be claimed on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010) — use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) —
1 Total cost includes cost of the product + installation up to a $1,500 maximum cap per homeowner for all combined improvements made in 2009 and 2010.
2 This credit is not limited to the $1,500 home improvement cap footnoted above.
3 A Manufacturer’s Certification is a signed statement from the manufacturer certifying that the product or component qualifies for the tax credit. The IRS encourages manufacturers to provide these Certifications on their website to facilitate identification of qualified products. Taxpayers must keep a copy of the certification statement for their records, but do not have to submit a copy with their tax return
NEW ! ! !
YOU MUST HAVE PROOF OF CERTIFICATION TO GET THE TAX CREDIT
AHRI CERTIFICATE, MODEL #
Real Important Stuff
As far as we know NO FREON based Equipment can be Stocked,Stored and or Sold.
We are waiting on new EPA rules on what we can do concerning this issue.
Production has been cut to 40% last December
New R-410A Equipment requires that you have to change out the Condensor/Outside unit and the Evaporator Coil/Inside unit. The two refrigerants and oils are not compatible.
1. The Federal Government wants to change somthing on how ou will be able to purchase new air conditioning equipment. We have been working with several professional orginazitions on trying to formulate fair practices from the Federal Government. We have been recommending that the United States be divide into 3 Zones. Texas will be in Zone 2. In this Zone the Minumin requirments for Air Conditioning will be 14 SEER and 80% AFUE on furnaces. We are also proposing that Federal Rebate not Tax Credits be used to help the consummer purchase new A/C equipment. This is now in committee. Let's hope for the best.
2.Tax Credits for 2010 are only available on air conditioning and heating equipment rated at 16 SEER with a 13 EER rating or above. Most system do achieve this rating! We know manufactures have been working on this problem for months. We know that the Frigidaire IQ drive system qualifies at this time.Some American Standard/Trane, Carrier and Lennox below 3.0 tons qualify. Be aware manufactures warranties may be effected by this.
Tax Credits are also available on 95% furnaces and most Duel Fuel (Heat Pump) systems. The 95% furnaces will save you money on electricity bills,natural and L.P. gas prices. They also have the best humidity control. Your home will not be too dry in the winter.
3. The Trane Company as of 4-1-2009 will manufacture R-22 equipment only on as needed basis. In other words if you want a Trane or American Standard R-22 A.C you will have to have it ordered from the manufacture. Local warehouse will not have any after stock runs out.
4. Bank and Lenders will no longer be able to give Same as Cash and No Payment financing after January 1st 2010.
5. The Federal Government will not allow Manufactures to stockpile, sell or manufacture R-22 equipment after 1/1/2010.
6. Code changes for the State and City of Houston, Sugarland etc. They have now accepted the IRC 2000 code. One thing that is now required are heat load calculations or waivers. Call our office for more details.
7. The Trane Company has been bought out by Ingersoll-Rand Corporation. No longer the American Standard/ Trane Company. The New Name is just Trane. The American Standard brand is still being made. If more interested go to the Ingersoll-Rand website www.ingersollrand.com
8. The rule is being written and will go into effect some time in 2009. In September of 2007, Congress passed The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. What this means is the Federal government will set regional standards for the Air Conditioning and Heating Industry. The Federal government will set 3 regions, each with it's own minimum standard. This will be based on the usage of electricity and gas. Yet there can be a lot of sub regions down to each individual municipality. Each can set their own rules. In New Mexicoat this time is a bill in the government to make the minimum 15 SEER. The Federal minimum standard for air conditioning is 13 SEER, 80% AFUE on furnaces. This will change this year.
9 R-22 (FREON) has increased in price 40%.There will be a 40% reduction in the production of R-22 (Freon) gas by December 31st 2009. This is by federal mandate. This also means that the price will go up close to 300%. It will be to costly, and is already illegal, to "TOP" Off" a system. Save money by getting that leak fixed. If your gas tank on your car had a leak, would you just keep filling the tank up?
10. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has adopted new codes and rules that to install a new air conditioning and heating system in a home that a heat load calculation must be performed. Not all towns and cities in the state have incorporated this into the process yet. Many have. Check with us on this.
11. The City Of San Antonio has passed an ordnance that it is illegal to sell Air Conditioning parts and supplies to an unlicensed person. The State of Texas Legislature is looking into introducing a similar bill to become law soon.
Home Warranty What You Should Know
When you buy a home old or new you usually get a “Home Warranty” with your purchase. Most people we have spoke to do not know how they work or even what is in the contract. In this economy we think it is important you know something about them. We have a few takes on these products that we feel will be informative to you.
1. It is part of the sale. This is an “extra” that new home builders, realtor, and agents use to sale a home. Usually the price ($300.00- $1500.00) is built into the sale. You really can’t something for nothing.
2. Think of it as an insurance company not a warranty. This will help you understand the time lag in service they usually have.
3. Read the contract. Make sure you understand what is and is not covered. If you have any questions call the Warranty Company, not the real estate agent, friend or contractor. They really don’t know either. For instant: Maintance of plumbing, appliances and air conditioning is not part of the policy. Anything outside of the home is not covered i.e. that refrigerator in the garage may or may not be covered.
4. It is for only one year. Home Warranties renew annually. It is up to the Home Warranty company to decide if they want you or not. Not the other way around. Too many claims can disqualify you.
5. Watch out for non covered cost. Most contractors do not make a lot of money on home warranty calls. They will try to make up the difference with non covered items. There are some non covered costs associated with most claims that are legitimate. A lot are not.
6. Understand the service provider sent out by the “Warranty Company” does not work for the warranty company but is a sub-contractor. He does not know their policy toward home owners. If there is a problem you need to call.
7. Home Warranty Companies will go the least expensive route on repairs and replacements. The old adage “you get what you pay for “applies in all cases.
8. If your appliances, plumbing fixtures, air conditioning system are new, you probably have a manufactures warranty in place. It may not be a good idea to pay for two warranties covering the same thing.
9. If your appliances, plumbing fixtures, air conditioning system are new, you probably have a manufactures warranty in place. It may not be a good idea to pay for two warranties covering the same thing
10. If your appliances, plumbing fixtures, air conditioning system are new, you probably have a manufactures warranty in place. It may not be a good idea to pay for two warranties covering the same thing.
11. New homes have a builders warranty for 1 to 2 years. Do you really need a home warranty?
12. Does the cost of the warranty really save you money? A new customer called us about cost or equipment. She had a home warranty for 5 years and never used it. After numerous service calls and after about 3 weeks, the Warranty Company decided to replace the equipment. With the cost of the of extras the service provider was charging and the cost she paid in over a 5 year period she would actually lost money and was getting a lesser piece of equipment.
13. You need to have a Maintance Agreement with a contractor to prove your systems did not break down do to neglect. They can and will turn down claims based on “lack of being maintained”.
They are regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Not the Texas Department of License and Regulation or the Attorney Generals Office
We at DD MECHANICAL SERVICES would like to thank all of our customers for allowing us to assist and service, as needed their air conditioning and heating systems. Any questions please call 281-579-8951 or Toll free 1-866-590-6095 e-mail DDMScool@repairman.com. We are now on Myspace at wwwFacebook.com Just Search DD Mechanical Services.Myspace.com/airconditioningman
