Stay home when you are sick

Avoiding close contact with other people will help prevent them from catching your illness.

Clean your hands

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Cover your mouth and nose

Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing — it may prevent the spread of the virus.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Germs are often spread when a person touches a contaminated surface then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

Practice other good health habits

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

Keep Your Air Clean with Trane Clean Effects – Indoor Air Filtration

Because of the similarities among types of influenza viruses, Harvard and EH&E researchers concluded that Trane CleanEffects will remove more than 99 percent of other forms of the virus, including influenza B, influenza C and avian influenza (also a strain of influenza A virus) from the filtered air.

The tests involved releasing the common flu virus into the air inside a test heating, ventilation and air conditioning duct. The removal efficiency was calculated from the amount of the common flu virus measured in air samples collected before and after passing through the Trane CleanEffects system.

>>> Read More (PDF)

The treaty, which dates to 1987 and has been amended seven times since, aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. One of those substances that plays a large part in ozone depletion is chlorine gas. The coolant used in air conditioners since at least the 70’s, called R-22, emits a whole lot of chlorine gas.

As of January 1st, 2010, R-22 becomes a thing of the past. R-22 will only be manufactured for use in existing systems. And after 2020, only reclaimed and recycled R-22 will be around. Most major equipment manufacturers have already gone to a custom-order-basis for R-22 equipment.

So what does this all mean for you? It means that if you’re in the market for a new cooling system, now is a great time to consider it! Not only will you save money in the long run, but you get to help the environment.

The new refrigerant, called R-410A, is more efficient as well as non-ozone-depleting. Plus, as supplies of R-22 wind down, the cost of it will naturally rise, and any repairs to your system will end up being more expensive than they otherwise would be.
Since energy costs have bumped up 50 percent in the past five years, you’ll want to pay attention to energy consumption.

Switching to the updated coolant systems could boost your energy efficiency by as much as 45 percent. What you want to look for here is the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating; the higher, the better. Minimum efficiency today is 13, and you can buy up to 23 SEER. And the warmer the climate (like here), the quicker the payback.

And last but not least, there’s the new $1500 dollar-for-dollar tax credit to sweeten the deal! Help save the planet, and save money – who could say no to that?

(For more information on how higher efficiency equipment can save you more money, please see our previous post here.)

Houston Metro Residents should contact us about applying this tax credit to new HVAC equipment. Outside Houston contact your local HVAC contractors.

Residential Tax Credit Details

For qualified improvements, homeowners may be able to claim tax credits equal to 30% of the installed costs (up to $1,500).

• Furnace to qualify 95% AFUE
• Boiler to qualify 90% AFUE
• A/C to qualify 16 SEER + 13 EER
• Heat Pump same as A/C plus HSPF 9
• Water Heater energy factor .8 (tankless)

Please ask your comfort adviser for details on qualifying equipment.

• The new tax credits are retroactive to January 1, 2009, and expire on December 31, 2010. The $1,500 limit is for all improvements made during the two year term, not $1500 each year.

• Per-Appliance Caps Removed – Homeowners may use the entire $1,500 tax credit limit on a single qualifying improvement. The previous per-appliance caps that limited the homeowner to just $150 for a high efficiency furnace or $300 for a high efficiency central air conditioner or heat pump have been removed.

• Lifetime Limit Removed – Homeowners that previously claimed tax credits in 2006 or 2007 are eligible for the full $1,500 limit.

• Expanded Geothermal Tax Credits – Homeowners who install geothermal heat pump systems may be able to claim up to 30% of the installed costs in tax credits in the year the system is placed into service. The $2,000 tax credit limit has been removed. The geothermal tax credit has a longer term, from January 1, 2009 and expires December 31, 2016.

• Consumers should be aware that the $1,500 limit applies to many types of energy efficient home improvements, including windows and doors, roofing shingles, and insulation. You can use the $1500 on just HVAC improvements or on a combination of above home improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Tax Credits

Can a homeowner claim $1500 in tax credits for improvements made in 2009 and again for improvements made in 2010?
No. Taxpayers may only be eligible for a total of $1500 in tax credits for improvements made in the combined two year period of 2009 and 2010.

Can a homeowner use the entire $1500 limit as a credit toward the installation of one appliance?
Yes. A homeowner may use the entire $1500 in tax credits for installing a single appliance, such as a qualified furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, or hot water heater.

What happens if the 30% of the installed costs is less than $1500?
The homeowner can “bank” the the remaining available tax credit for other qualified improvements. Any single installation that costs more than $5000 will instantly reach the $1500 limit.

Does the tax credit apply to the cost of the equipment or equipment plus labor?
The tax credit applies to the installed costs of the qualified equipment, which includes labor.

How will a taxpayer claim the credit and receive their money?
In the past, the IRS has directed taxpayers to use Form 5695, Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit. Taxpayers are not required to file anything more than the form, but are instructed to keep records of their installation.

What’s the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?
As a tax credit applies against the taxpayers’ liability. A tax deduction applies against a taxpayer’s income, lowering the adjusted gross income and possibly moving the taxpayer to a lower tax bracket. Tax credits have a greater benefit to a taxpayer.
With a tax credit, if the taxpayer owes $2000, in taxes, their liability is reduced to $500. If they owe nothing, they can expect a $1500 refund.

What if the homeowners already claimed $500 in tax credits in 2006 or 2007?
The “lifetime caps” that used to be in place have been removed. Any previous claims do not count against the current $1500 tax credit limit.

Can a homeowner claim the credit for improvements to a second home?
No. The tax credit is only available for improvement to the taxpayer’s primary residence.

Can a small business that operates out of a townhouse and installs residential equipment in a commercial setting claim the credit?
No. The tax credit may only be claimed by taxpayers on their personal income taxes for improvements to their primary residence.

What other types of energy efficiency improvements qualify for the tax credits?
Homeowners may be able to qualify for the tax credits if they make qualified improvements to: windows and doors including skylights, storm windows and storm doors; roofing including metal and asphalt roofs; and insulation. All of these improvements qualify, but homeowner may only claim $1500 in total for any improvements.

Will every homeowner definitely qualify for the tax credit?
No. Each taxpayer’s situation is different. Please consult with a tax professional if you have questions regarding your tax situation in regards to these new credits.

It’s hard to find good news for your wallet these days, but these new tax credit changes can help you keep your cool in terms of both comfort and savings!