The Stimulus Package includes Federal Income Tax credits of up to $1500 for energy saving improvements to your home. The qualifying improvements include upgrading your furnace , air conditioner or heat pump to receive up to 30% tax credit with a maximum of $1500. The improvement must be done prior to Dec 31, 2010 and only applies to your principle residence. In other words, a $5000 qualifying comfort system will realize a net cost (after the tax credit) of $3500. And best of all, systems that meet the tax credit efficiencies also qualify for local utility rebates and in some cases manufacturer rebates to reduce the cost even further.

You save a huge amount of money on the upgrade to this high efficiency equipment today and save every day with lower utility costs for years to come.

We recently partnered with Bryant to offer their new Evolution, Preferred and Legacy lines of furnaces and air conditioners with longer warranties, 10 full years. In the past we were unable to offer this type of “peace of mind” coverage without charging a premium, but not true today. Now, other than routine maintenance items like filter changes and dirty condensate lines, you can rest assured that all parts and labor will be covered at “no charge” for 10 years. What is this warranty really worth to you ? Well, if you are presently purchasing the utility service plan for your furnace and air conditioner, you will spend $2574 for their plan over this 10 year period (assuming there is no price increase). I know the furnace and air conditioner warranty does not cover your water heater, dryer or range but I think you could buy all three for the $2574 you would have spent on their plan.

I have learned that Minnesota Valley Electric customers will no longer receive rebates for purchasing high efficiency (Energy Star) air conditioners after March 1, 2009. This is the only utility I am aware of which is discontinuing these rebates of up to $330.