Investing in home upgrades can be fun....or not so fun!  Many homeowners are excited to add a sunroom, remodel a bathroom, finish a basement, pick out new flooring or granite tops.  How about picking out a new furnace though? HVAC is something we need but it's not always fun to invest in because it can't be seen.  HVAC is all about comfort. As homeowners consider their HVAC upgrades, we are often asked out rebates, incentives, and tax credits.  Being a new year, the money available to homeowners is different than what it was last year.  To keep things simple, we've listed below what's available now:

Lennox Equipment Rebates- The Lennox spring promotion is on from March 24 - June 13, 2014.  Rebates ranging in price from $75 - $1,300 are available on high efficient equipment.  Rebates are based on the installation of a single unit (air conditioner, heat pump or furnace) versus the installation of a full system (furnace, air conditioner or heat pump and thermostat).  Rebates also vary based on the efficiency of the system.  Also available are rebates ranging from $50 - $300 for PureAir filtration, zoning and solar panels.

Utility Rebates- A few of the utility companies are carrying their rebate programs into 2014.

Vectren- $150 for a 92-94% efficient gas furnace.  $250 for a 95%+ efficient gas furnace.  $300 for a 90%+ efficient natural gas boiler.  $20 for a programmable thermostat.

Citizens Gas- $150 rebate for a 92-94% efficient gas furnace.  $250 for a 95%+ efficient gas furnace.  $300 for a 90%+ efficient natural gas boiler.  $20 for a programmable thermostat.

Duke Energy- $200 for a 14+ seer heat pump with ECM fan on indoor unit.  $200 for a 14+ seer air conditioner with ECM fan on indoor unit.  $200 for 10.5+ EER geothermal heat pump.

Vectren and Citizens Gas also offer rebates for duct sealing, attic insulation and wall insulation.  See their websites for insulation specifications.  IPL's residential rebate program ended in 2013.

Federal Tax Credit- The federal tax credit available for 2014 is a 30% tax credit on the installation of solar panels, wind energy and geothermal heat pumps.  This tax credit will remain in effect until December 31, 2016.

If you are considering an upgrade to high efficient equipment, now is a great time to do so.  Why not save some $$$ that you'd otherwise be spending?  There are always options when it comes to HVAC systems, energy efficiency and comfort.  Contact us anytime for a free quote!

Is a New Lineset Necessary When Replacing an Air Conditioner?

We provided a quote for a new air conditioner recently and the customer asked this:  "All I want is a new air conditioner.  What is a lineset and why did you quote that?"

That's a great question!  First, the lineset is what carries the refrigerant from the coil in the air conditioner to the coil in the furnace.  Now, why would we quote a new lineset with the new air conditioner?

You may have heard that there are two types of refrigerant.  If you have an older air conditioner, it likely uses R-22 refrigerant.  New air conditioners use R-410 refrigerant.  R-22 is being phased out by the EPA because there is chlorine in it which contributes to ozone depletion if it leaks out of the system.  Eventually, all air conditioners and heat pumps will use R-410 refrigerant.  R-410 is an ozone friendly refrigerant.

These two types of refrigerant contain different oils and do not mix well.  R-22 contains mineral oil which doesn't mix well with POE oil, which is in R410.  Therefore, running R410 refrigerant through a lineset that once carried R22 refrigerant will eventually be detrimental to the system.  It will ultimately shorten the life span of the compressor.    Ideally, the best option is to run a new lineset so there's no chance of the two different oils mixing.  If a new lineset is not an option for whatever reason, a flush can also be done.  This is a chemical used to flush out the R-22 that ran through the lineset.  It is effective, however, it's not likely that 100% of the oil will be flushed out.  Therefore, we recommend a new, clean lineset when possible.

During the quoting process, the technician will look at the placement of the current lineset to determine if a new lineset can be run.  There may be some measures that have to be taken, such as a new bulkhead, to install a new lineset.  In the end, this is still important to consider the lineset to ensure that your new system is running top-notch for years to come.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the two types of refrigerant, the phasing out of R-22 or linesets!


What Should I Look For in an HVAC Company?

Let's face it: replacing the HVAC system is usually the last thing someone wants to do!  Replacing a furnace and/or air conditioner is an investment in your home.  People often think about the brand of equipment, equipment efficiency and the budget, but what about the company that will install the new equipment?  Did you know that many brands of equipment are comparable in features, but how well it works is really dependent on how well it's installed?  What should you look for in an HVAC company?  Here are a few things to consider:

Most importantly, is the company insured and bonded?  In the off-chance that something should happen during the install, such as an injury or property damage, does the company carry liability insurance and a bond to cover the damages?  Another example, straight from John Moore Insurance Agency, is this: the installation of your new HVAC system takes two days so the company leaves material in your garage with the intent of installing it the following day.  If that material gets stolen or vandalized, would that be a claim on your personal insurance policy?  Not if you've hired a company that is insured and bonded!

Is the company licensed in Marion County?  If you live in Marion County, the City of Indianapolis requires a permit to replace/install a new furnace, air conditioner or heat pump.  Only licensed companies can pull permits.  The purpose of this is to ensure that your installation is done properly and to code.  What happens if a permit is not pulled?  If code enforcement sees work being done and there is not a permit, work will be ordered to stop, a permit will have to be pulled and a fine paid.

Do you know of anyone that's worked with the company?  I think it's safe to say that we always feel more comfortable working with a company that was referred by someone else.  If someone thinks highly enough of a business to recommend them, then they've had a good customer experience and it's likely that you will too.  If you don't know anyone that's personally worked with them, check out their website or see if they have any customer reviews online.  Then, follow your gut!

What is the policy on service and warranty?  After the company installs your new HVAC system, are they also able to maintain and service it?  Does the company offer 24 hour service?  Is it easy to get in touch with them?  Will the company handle equipment warranties?  Ask questions!

So many times, homeowners think only about the equipment to be installed and price.  While these are important factors, it's just as important to choose the right company.  Experience, proper licensing and insurance, and reliability make all the difference.