Air Source Heat Pumps Tax Credit - Tulsa, OK

Air Source Heat Pumps Tax Credit - Tulsa OK

Determining the best heating method for your home in this area can be a challenge, since both heat pumps and combustion furnaces are viable choices for this climate. Weather throughout the winter tends to be mild, but there are times when the thermometer dips below freezing, which may influence your choice of the best heating method for your home and family.

These characteristics of each type of heating system might help you decide:

• Heat pumps work well in this climate for both heating and cooling. They are an energy-efficient option. Heat pumps warm your home by extracting the heat from the outdoor air. They work well until the temperature falls below freezing. At this point, there is less heat in the air, so the appliance will have to work harder. However, high-efficiency heat pumps are available that work effectively at much colder temperatures. If you require an exceptionally warm house, even during milder weather, you may want to consider a gas or oil furnace as your best heating method.

• The typical heat pump uses one unit of energy to provide three units of heat. A gas furnace or oil furnace never reaches such high efficiency, although high-efficiency systems can be 97% efficient, compared to 300% efficiency from a heat pump.

• Heat pumps have a high degree of safety compared to a gas or oil furnace. Any time that combustible fuels are used indoors, there is a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fuel leaks.

• A heat pump contributes to outdoor noise even in the winter. It uses the compressor inside the outdoor condenser to transfer heat in the same way it removes heat from your home in the summer. If you want a quiet yard in the winter, consider a furnace as your preferred heating method.

• If you need to replace your air conditioner along with your heating method, it makes financial sense to choose a heat pump. 

  ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME IMPROVEMENT TAX CREDIT (25C) PROGRAM

  The previous Nonbusiness Energy Property credit (25C) for installing high-efficiency equipment was extended through 2022 and provides federal tax credits of up to $500.
  The amended Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) begins in 2023 and extends through 2032. It increases the tax credit limits for high-efficiency equipment as follows:

  1. Eligible equipment includes:

     • Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters

     • Energy-efficient HVAC systems (including furnaces, boilers, and central AC)

  2. The 25C credit has an annual cap of $1,200 (except heat pump):

     • Up to $600 each for a qualified air conditioner or gas furnace, with an annual cap of $1,200

     • Up to $2,000 with a qualified heat pump, heat pump water heater, or boiler

  There are no income requirements for this tax credit, and it cannot be combined with other federal programs.

  WHO CAN USE THIS CREDIT?

  PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE OWNERS

  Must be an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals do not apply.

  A principal residence is the home where you live most of the time. The home must be in the United States. It can include a house, houseboat, mobile home, cooperative apartment, condominium, and a manufactured home.

For professional advice about the best heating method based on your home and family, contact the pros at Air Assurance. We provide trusted HVAC services to Broken Arrow homeowners.

When It’s Time to Call an HVAC Technician as Opposed to DIY

Do Not Display

Air Conditioner Not Cooling - Tulsa, OK

If heating or cooling problems strike, should you call in a HVAC technician or rely on your own do-it-yourself skills? Changing the system air filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations and keeping the outdoor AC clear of weeds and other obstructions is definitely DIY. However, any other diagnosis and repair of furnaces or air conditioners is a job that’s best left to a qualified HVAC technician with the proper training, experience, and professional certification.

Read on to learn some reasons why “don’t do it yourself” is almost always the best recourse when heating or cooling issues arise.

It Can Be Dangerous

HVAC systems present serious potential hazards to the inexperienced nonprofessional, including:

• Furnaces use flammable, toxic natural gas and develop extremely high temperatures that may result in explosion or fire. The furnace combustion process also produces hazardous byproducts, including deadly carbon monoxide.

• Central air conditioners circulate toxic refrigerant under pressure. EPA certification is required to handle or use these substances. The powerful AC compressor and associated components utilize a high-voltage, hardwired electrical circuit that should not be accessed by persons without proper training.

Not Using an HVAC Technician Will Void the Warranty

The terms of HVAC manufacturers' warranties specify that repair work must be performed by certified HVAC contractors and technicians only. Doing it yourself will invalidate warranty coverage, and you will be responsible for any and all costs incurred as a result.

You’re Not Equipped

Diagnosing and repairing today’s HVAC units requires more than what’s in the typical homeowner’s toolbox. Advanced technology and precise, specialized tools are required to get the job done efficiently and safely.

It Will Cost You More

Another potential casualty of DIY work on HVAC equipment is the unit's energy-efficiency rating. Amateur adjustments or repairs on a furnace or AC may degrade efficiency and result in higher monthly electrical or gas bills for as long as the unit is installed.

For a qualified HVAC technician with recognized industry certification to resolve any issues with your heating and cooling components, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

How to Avoid HVAC Short Cycling

Do Not Display

HVAC "short cycling" is a term that describes a furnace or air conditioner that turns on, briefly generates heating or cooling, then shuts off again before the thermostat's temperature setting has been achieved. A unit that short cycles not only degrades indoor comfort, it runs very inefficiently, boosting operating costs. Another factor is the excessive wear and tear that accumulates when an HVAC unit turns on and off rapidly. This reduces system reliability and can make early replacement of the unit necessary.

Here are possible reasons for HVAC short cycling during the heating season:

• Insufficient airflow. The most common cause of furnace overheating is low system airflow due to a clogged air filter or defective system blower. If the furnace temperature sensor detects excessively high temperatures due to insufficient air circulation, it will shut down the furnace.

• Defective flame sensor. A gas furnace's flame sensor continuously senses the furnace's burner flame. If the flame goes out, the sensor shuts off the gas flow to the unit. Inaccurate or erratic sensing due to a defective sensor may cause HVAC short cycling.

• Oversized furnace. If the furnace BTU capacity is oversized, the unit may heat certain areas of the house too fast, causing the furnace to cycle off before other rooms are comfortably warm, i.e., HVAC short cycling.

• Exhaust flue obstructed. The furnace exhaust flue may become obstructed by leaves, birds' nests, or physical damage to the pipe. A clogged exhaust causes the furnace to overheat and trigger an automatic shutdown, cutting normal heating cycles short.

Issues such as clogged filters and oversizing also cause air conditioners to short cycle. Factors affecting AC cycling include:

• Low refrigerant charge. Insufficient refrigerant due to leaks in system components can cause an air conditioner to turn on and off rapidly.

• Ice formation on coils. Ice obstructing AC coils may trigger a system shutdown. After the ice melts, the air conditioner may restart. If icing recurs, contact your HVAC contractor for professional service.

For more about problems related to HVAC short cycling and good solutions, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

Energy Efficient Home & HVAC Tax Credits

Energy Efficient Home & HVAC Tax Credits - Tulsa Oklahoma

Installing energy-efficient HVAC equipment is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while saving money and energy. However, this equipment is also often expensive. You can save money, but only if you can afford the system in the first place. Fortunately, there are a number of tax incentives that can help offset those costs. Here's a breakdown of different HVAC tax credits and what they entail.

Federal Energy Tax Credits - 2023

The previous Nonbusiness Energy Property credit (25C) for installing high-efficiency equipment was extended through 2022 and provides federal tax credits of up to $500.
The amended Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) begins in 2023 and extends through 2032. It increases the tax credit limits for high-efficiency equipment as follows:

1. Eligible equipment includes:

   • Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters

   • Energy-efficient HVAC systems (including furnaces, boilers, and central AC)

2. The 25C credit has an annual cap of $1,200 (except heat pump):

   • Up to $600 each for a qualified air conditioner or gas furnace, with an annual cap of $1,200

   • Up to $2,000 with a qualified heat pump, heat pump water heater, or boiler

There are no income requirements for this tax credit, and it cannot be combined with other federal programs.

Federal HVAC Tax Credit

The federal government has always made a point of encouraging energy efficiency for homeowners as well as business owners. Switching to high-efficiency HVAC equipment helps reduce pollution and fight global warming.

The most recent HVAC tax credit is called 25C. It covers high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, including A/Cs, furnaces, heat pumps, and mini splits. Originally enacted for equipment purchased in 2018 and 2019, the credit has been extended through 2021.

Therefore, if you're thinking about getting a high-efficiency system, now is the time. Any qualifying system purchased and installed before the end of this year can earn you a credit of 10% of the cost up to $500. There's also a $300 maximum credit available for certain ACs, heat pumps, and mini-splits, or a $150 credit for furnaces and boilers.

Renewable Energy Credits

There are also credits for homeowners who invest in renewable energy, including fuel cells, wind turbines, and geothermal heat pumps. If you installed a qualifying renewable energy system by the end of 2019, you can claim up to 30% of the cost. If you install one by the end of 2022, you can claim up to 26%, or 22% by the end of 2023.

There may also be certain state credits you can claim that are specific to Oklahoma. Whatever tax credits you qualify for, be sure you're taking full advantage of them. Talk to your tax adviser to see how you can benefit from these credits and what you need to do to claim them.

For help making upgrades that you can claim an HVAC tax credit for, contact us at Air Assurance. We help Broken Arrow homes save money and energy.

Tulsa Heat and Air Companies

Tulsa Heat and Air Companies

How To Choose A Good Heating Contractor

You rely on your home's heating system to keep your home cozy and warm throughout the winter months, so it's vital to hire a skilled and trustworthy heating contractor when it needs maintenance, repairs or a replacement. Here are some essential qualities to look for in the contractor you hire, so you know you're making a wise choice:

License and Insurance

Reputable HVAC professionals in the Tulsa area will hold a valid mechanical contractor's license with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. When you know that a contractor is licensed, you'll have peace of mind that they have relevant industry experience, have passed the state's qualifying exam and posted a bond. Licensed contractors must also have workers' compensation and liability insurance coverage that helps protect you in the event that damage or injuries occur.

Longevity and Good Reputation

A heating contractor who does quality work and provides superior customer service will have a long history in the area, as well as positive reviews and recognition awards from both the HVAC industry and the local community. The best contractors are also members of leading HVAC associations, such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), which allows them to stay current on the latest industry advancements and best practices.

Technician Certifications

A contractor you can trust with your home's comfort equipment insists that their technicians have attained certification from NATE, the independent organization that's the recognized leader in technician skill and knowledge testing and certification. This gives you the assurance that your technician has the training and know-how to properly maintain, repair or replace your heating equipment.

Workmanship Guarantees

Contractors who provide top-notch installation and repair services and are fully confident in their workmanship quality are willing to stand behind it with a written guarantee. When it comes to the reliability of your heating system, choosing such a contractor can let you rest easy knowing that you're in the best of hands.

When you looking for a heating contractor in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance to learn more about our dedication to providing outstanding service and customer care.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC contractors and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-258-2665.