Since a year ago when the rising cost of R-22 refrigerant was all over the news, the cost has only risen higher. At the time, homeowners with older A/Cs and heat pumps were encouraged to consider upgrading to new cooling systems that operate with the more available and environmentally benign R-410A. With refrigerant prices expected to continue rising for for older R-22 reliant cooling systems, this was just one more good reason to consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient A/C. If you decided to wait a year to upgrade, you didn’t necessarily make a bad choice. This year, you’ll be eligible for a $300 federal tax credit if you upgrade to a qualified high-efficiency A/C or heat pump (and as it turns out, the credit would have been retroactive to a similar purchase made in 2012).

The tax credit applies to any new central air conditioning unit that meets the minimum SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and EER (energy efficiency ratio) set forth by the federal government. For a split system, the SEER must be 16 or greater and the EER must be 13 or greater. For package systems, SEER must be 14 or greater and EER must be 12 or greater. Of course, the higher the SEER and EER ratings are, the more energy savings you can expect through the life of your new cooling system.

If your current air conditioner was sold before 2010, chances are it is up to 30 percent less efficient than the ones currently on the market. This can mean a substantial savings on your electric bill every month. To find out just how much, take a look at the energy calculator offered by Lennox. It can be customized to our state and shows what an increase from a SEER 10 A/C or heat pump to a higher-rated model could save you over five, 10 and 15 years.

By getting an A/C or heat pump replacement now, you’d be free of the refrigerant issue while taking advantage of the 25C tax credit and the higher efficiency a new cooling system offers. To talk with a professional about the best way to replacing your R-22 reliant air conditioner, please contact us at Powers Heating & Air. We are the trusted name in HVAC service and repair in Peachtree City and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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