Staff Writer
For the Carrolls, the time was right to replace the loud, outdated equipment that supplied their Ridge Point subdivision home with heat and cooling.
"We just couldn't do anything with it," said John Carroll, 64, who had two new electric-based systems installed last week for the home's upstairs and downstairs.
The Carrolls' decision was sweetened by a slew of tax credits and rebates that are available now for people who upgrade or purchase a new heating and cooling system.
After cashing in on those offers, Carroll estimated that he and his wife, Katie, will save at least $2,500 -- or about 20 percent -- off the original $12,000 cost.
"It's quite a bit of help because it's not cheap," Carroll said. "It will work out in the long run with the amount of money we save."
Power companies and businesses that install heating and cooling systems say now is the best time in recent memory to upgrade or buy a new system. Buyers can take advantage of several programs: federal tax credits, Energy Star appliance rebates and power company rebates. Some manufacturers also offer their own rebates and deals.
The federal tax credits and Energy Star rebates were part of the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and meant to spur investment in energy-efficient home improvements. The tax credit maxes out at $1,500 and lasts until the end of this year. People can receive the Energy Star rebates by replacing an older model with a new Energy Star appliance.
The rebates are divvied up by state, and buyers can earn up to $199 for each appliance category from which they buy. Georgia's appliance rebate program began Feb. 12 and lasts until funds are exhausted. About $7.1 million of Georgia's about $8.6 million in appliance rebates still is available.
South Carolina's rebate program begins March 31 and also lasts until no money remains. The state has $3.9 million to dole out.
Georgia Power Co. is offering a rebate of up to $400 through March 31 for customers who convert from a gas furnace to an electric heat pump. South Carolina Electric & Gas offers a bill credit of up to $300 year-round for customers who switch to natural gas systems.
"If customers are planning to do an upgrade or change-out, if they do it once the other rebate starts, then they will increase their total savings," said Roxanne Argo, a spokeswoman for South Carolina Electric & Gas. "That's what we're promoting for customers to take advantage of."
Olin Plunkett, the owner of Plunkett Heating and Air Conditioning in Augusta, said the tax credits and rebates have helped drive traffic to his business and sustained it during the economic downturn.
"It's probably helped the heating and air conditioning more than anyone else," Plunkett said.
Joe Savage, the owner of Doc Savage Heating & Air Conditioning in Augusta, said he can't recall a better environment for his customers during 40 years in the business. He said that the company does about six to eight estimates a day and that probably at least 50 percent of customers are in a "buying mode" because of the rebates and tax credits.
"If you wait until this spring or summer," Savage said, "that money is probably not going to be there."
Savage added that switching to a more efficient heating and cooling system can save on monthly utility bills.
"The energy you are going to save in your power bill is the best investment you can make in your house," he said.
