Thursday, May 7, 2009

Coleman High-Efficiency HVAC Units are Eligible for Federal Tax Credits

NORMAN, OKLA. - (May 7, 2009) - Coleman (www.colemanhvacdealer.com) provides a complete line of home comfort products that meet the high-efficiency requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This bill combines spending and tax incentives to move the economy forward by investing in infrastructure and increasing energy efficiency of residential/commercial buildings in America.

Specifically for the HVAC business, this legislation makes a number of important changes to the existing tax incentives for homeowners who make qualified improvements on high-efficiency HVAC products and equipment in their primary residences. Overall, the tax credits have been increased up to 30 percent of the installed cost of those improvements, or up to a total of $1,500 for residential HVAC products installed from Jan. 1, 2009, through Dec. 31, 2010.

The revised criteria for qualifying residential HVAC equipment, under Section 1121 of the ARRA legislation, are as follows.
  • A natural gas, propane or oil furnace rated at 95 percent AFUE or higher.
  • Any furnace equipped with an advanced main air circulating fan that uses no more than 2 percent of the total furnace energy use.
  • A central air conditioner that achieves the highest efficiency tier established by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency as in effect on Jan. 1, 2009 (which is 16 SEER or higher, 13 EER or higher rating). Previously, the criteria were 15 SEER, 12.5 EER, which is no longer valid.
  • An electric air source heat pump that achieves the highest efficiency tier established by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency as in effect on Jan. 1, 2009 (which is 15 SEER or higher, 12.5 EER or higher, 8.5 HSPF or higher rating). Previously, the criteria were 15 SEER, 13 EER, 9 HSPF as stated in the text of the legislation rather than being tied to the CEE highest efficiency tier level for electric air source heat pumps.
"All Coleman 33-inch condensing furnace models exceed the minimum 95 percent AFUE requirements for these tax credits in 2009," said Brian Michael, Coleman brand manager. "In addition, 12 different gas-fired residential furnace models achieve 97 to 98 percent AFUE, making them the most efficient in the industry. For split-system air conditioners and heat pumps, the expansion of the Coleman LX series and Echelon series provides more models at higher efficiency levels than ever before."

Michael added: "When the Federal Tax Credits are combined with Coleman's industry-leading consumer rebate program, which offers up to $1,700 cash back, 6-months same-as-cash financing options, competitive warranties, reduced energy bills, improved comfort and any applicable local utility rebates, our dealer network is able to provide an array of sustainable, high-efficiency home comfort systems that should be an easy sell."

Coleman is offering Federal Tax Credit Certificates for customers who purchase qualifying heating and cooling products for their home. The certificates are downloadable from the Coleman Web site at http://www.colemanac.com/homeowners/epa_cert/index.asp and list all Coleman residential gas furnaces, air handlers, air conditioners and heat pumps that are eligible for tax credits. Coleman will update the certificates as new residential heating and cooling products are introduced throughout 2009.

Homeowners are not required to submit the 2009 Federal Tax Credit Certificates to the IRS as part of their tax returns. Taxpayers should keep copies of invoices and receipts for documenting their actual expenditures, but only need to file Form 5695 with their tax returns to get the tax credits. Before filling for tax credits on any of the listed models, it is always recommended that homeowners/taxpayers consult with a tax professional to review the provisions of the ARRA and application in reference to Section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code.

The following Web sites offer additional information about the tax credits:
More information about Coleman products that are eligible for the tax credit, as well as a tax credit FAQ, are available at: http://www.colemanac.com/homeowners/epa_cert/index.asp.

HVAC products from Johnson Controls, Inc., marketed under the well-known Coleman brand, include highly reliable residential central air-conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces and accessories and light-commercial, packaged heating and cooling systems marketed through a network of distributors and delivered to home- and building-owners through independent Coleman heating and air conditioning dealers. For more information about Coleman, visit www.colemanhvacdealer.com or call 877-926-5362.
Posted 5/07/2009