The best HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems are built to last as long as 15 years. With twice-a-year professional HVAC maintenance, some can see 25 years. But as Southeast Texans know, our humidity is hard on everything, especially cars and HVACs.
Even with the best professional maintenance and diligent DIY (do-it-yourself) HVAC care, eventually you’ll need to invest in a new cooling and heating system. Most homes in Tomball were built between 2010-2019. The median house-build year for Magnolia is 2002. Depending on factors that include home and HVAC age, your cooling and heating unit could being nearing its end.
In Texas, if your HVAC is about to bite the dust, sooner is better than later. Summer 2023 is the perfect time to invest in a new cooling and heating system.
Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient HVAC Upgrades
Check with your family accountant to be sure, but there are some significant tax credits available when you make energy-saving home improvements. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extends federal tax credits through 2032 for:
- Biomass stoves, boilers
- Boilers
- Central air conditioners/heating
- Exterior doors, windows, skylights
- Furnaces
- Heat pumps
- Home energy audits
- Insulation
- Water heaters
Throughout 2023, you can receive a 30% tax credit up to a maximum of $1,200 for energy-saving HVAC replacements. Lower-carbon-footprint heat pumps may qualify for up to $2,000 in tax rebates or credits. (Geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient HVAC system available, but installation is complex and costs more.)
You can also apply for another tax rebate: If you meet the area’s household income requirements, the HEERA (High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act) tax incentive may apply. It says if you install a heat pump HVAC system this year, you can receive a rebate that “covers 100 percent of electrification project costs (up to $8,000) for low-income households and 50 percent of costs (up to $8,000) for moderate-income households.”
Texas has no state-related energy-reduction tax incentives (other than solar), but you can check http://www.texasefficiency.com/index.php/links to find your energy provider’s programs and incentives. For example, CenterPoint offers a financial incentive when you upgrade to a new air conditioning unit with at least SEER 16 efficiency. The new unit must be installed by an approved Texas contractor.
You can also get a discount coupon of up to $50 to purchase an ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat.
New HVAC Costs and Savings
Here in Texas we like to say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But August in Northwest Houston is our month for record-breaking high temperatures. No Texan wants to suffer an AC breakdown in August. And if you have newborns, elderly, health-challenged family members, or at-risk pets, the loss of cool air can be life-threatening.
In addition to tax incentives and rebates, an energy-efficient HVAC replacement saves money every month. You can also realize a 7% increase in property value. Where you live and other variables can affect the cost of a cooling and heating system:
- Complexity of its design
- Contractor fees
- Ductwork configurations
- Installation difficulty
- Location, accessibility
- Quality, efficiency, durability of the new unit
Cooling & Heating You Can Trust
No matter what brand you buy, your new HVAC will have a ROI (return on investment) of about 60%. This is a higher return than most other home improvement projects.
The top 5 HVAC companies with frequent discounts and promotions are:
- Trane – savings/offers
- Bryant – rebates
- Carrier – rebates/promotions
- Goodman – rebates
- Lennox – rebates/promotions
Other reputable and highly rated HVAC companies include:
- Amana
- American Standard
- Coleman
- Frigidaire
- Rheem
- York
There are several name-brand HVAC offers and incentives this summer, but to choose the best HVAC contractor, consider your priorities. Some people are name-brand loyal and only want licensed-to-sell-that-brand representatives. For many, energy efficiency is more important than cost. Others care most about a reliable, trustworthy HVAC contractor. Most prefer to support local companies that give-back to the community.
What do you need from an HVAC company? Compare:
- Customer service reputation
- Experience
- Guarantees
- Licensing, insurance
- Pricing
- Reliability
…and other factors to determine the HVAC company that will work best for you.
Country Air Cares About Comfort, Safety
Your health and safety are our top priority. We’ll always offer money-saving repair options, but if your loved ones’ health could be compromised by a sudden loss of comfortable air, we’ll help you choose a replacement HVAC.
Our experienced, professional clean-air technicians work fast and efficiently. Your HVAC project isn’t finished until you’re 100% satisfied. But we aren’t 100% satisfied if we don’t maintain an ongoing relationship with you, your home, and its clean-air systems.
We’re a top choice for Montgomery and Harris County HVAC repair, replacement, and installation. Find out why today: Live-chat or text, call 281-356-8564, or contact Country Air.
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*Energy-efficiency requirements apply to systems installed in primary residences.
