Many homeowners dream of having central air conditioning. I AM ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE! Cool air on demand that blasts out the heat of late-August is truly something to be desired. But, if youβre like most people, youβre not sure you can afford one. I mean, c’mon? It’s got to be expensive to have that kind of luxury, right?
Well, hereβs some facts I just learned that should set your mind at ease…
Many New Systems Come With Rebates and Tax Credits
Most of the tax credits from 2013 have been phased out, but some have been extended for 2015. A lifetime credit maximum of 10 percent of costs, up to $500 has been established by the government.
If you received $500 or more back during 2009 or 2010, then itβs unlikely you can get more. If you didnβt, file form 5695 when youΒ e-file your returnΒ to claim your credit on your returns. This can be a bit tricky so hire an accountant or tax specialist to help you. Also, make sure you save your manufacturer certifications and receipts just in case you need them for filing.
While there is a $500 overall ceiling on tax credits, some home improvements have individual limits that are below this amount. For example, you receive $50 for any advanced main air circulating fan, $150 for any qualified natural gas, propane, or oil furnace or a hot water boiler.
You can also get up to $300 for any qualified energy-efficient item for your home. If youβre not sure if you qualify, check the Energy Star website for more information on which systems qualify for rebates and credits.
When you do get a new system, have a qualified technician do the air conditioning installation so that you donβt void the warranty on it.
You Donβt Always Need A Large System
Bigger isnβt always better, despite what youβve been told. A larger sized unit is more expensive to operate, all other things being equal, so make sure that you really need all those BTUs. A good technician will run a diagnostic on your home to assess how much cooling power you need.
And, if youβre doubtful about getting a smaller unit, ask an HVAC specialist. Theyβll tell you that an oversized compressor doesnβt lower humidity effectively because it cools the air so quickly that it doesnβt run long enough to circulate the air and remove moisture, resulting in a temperature that feels warmer than what the thermostat reads.
The home will also tend to feel clammy and damp instead of dry and cool.
Now, if your home warrants having a large air conditioner, by all means get one. But, make sure that youβre not buying a larger system just for the sake of having a larger system.
You Donβt Necessarily Need Ductwork
With split systems, you donβt necessarily need to install new ductwork. Part of the system is situated outside.
The condenser is outside and the fan and coil system sit inside. Theyβre connected by pipes that carry the refrigerant.
Sometimes, the cold air generated by the system can be hooked into your existing forced air furnace system or right into the existing plenum.
And, if you donβt have ductwork in your home, pipes can be run up the outside of the home and disguised as part of the gutter and downspout system and then run directly into rooms where you need the cooling.
