Everybody generally knows that upgrading HVAC equipment leads to higher efficiency, reduced energy use and lower utility bills; but it's still hard for homeowners to make upgrades. Why? Often, the cost is prohibitive. However, with tax credits and rebates available in 2011, upgrading is more of a reality than most think. These tax credits are not as generous as those offered in 2010, but, combined with a few other available rebates, you can get a great deal if you need a new heating or air-conditioning system.The governmental tax credits offered in 2011 focus on several areas of home-related equipment. This includes green energy equipment (such as biomass stoves, geothermal heat pumps, wind turbine, fuel cells and solar systems) and HVAC equipment and related products, such as furnaces, air conditioners, insulation, roofs, water heaters, windows and doors.The most popular consumer upgrades belong to the HVAC category. Air-source heat pumps, for example, are eligible for a tax credit of $300. Central air conditioners also get $300 in tax credits when they are Energy Star qualified. Gas, propane or oil water boilers and furnaces qualify for a $150 tax credit when the AFUE rating is over 95 percent. If you're looking at these tax credits on their own, you might not jump up and down with excitement over savings. But when you add in utility company and manufacturer rebates along with governmental tax credits, the savings can really add up.In Oklahoma, the Public Service Company offers up to a $600 rebate for homeowners seeking an air-conditioning system upgrade (on qualifying systems only). Lennox, a manufacturer of HVAC equipment, gives customers up to a whopping $1,400 in rebates for its qualifying Signature Series Comfort Systems. If you're shopping for a new system, the experts at Air Assurance can help you narrow down the choices and find the best deals. Combine energy savings from more efficient equipment along with utility, manufacturer and governmental rebates, and your new heating or A/C system could become a reality much sooner than you think.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here.Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.