The
$787 billion economic stimulus bill to be signed by President Barack Obama
today includes provisions favorable to the HVAC industry, the ACCA says.
The $787 billion economic stimulus bill to be
signed by President Barack Obama today includes provisions favorable to the
HVAC industry, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America said.
It will allow homeowners to claim 30 percent of the cost - up to
$1,500 - for the installation of higher-efficiency furnaces and boilers, air-source
heat pumps, central air conditioners, and hot water heaters in 2009 and 2010.
The previous tax credits were
limited to $300 for central air conditioners and heat pumps and $150 for
furnaces and boilers.
The final bill includes
changes to the equipment that qualifies for the tax credits, including an
increase in the minimum seasonal energy-efficiency rating for central air
conditioners and a decrease in the minimum annual fuel utilization efficiency level
for boilers. Heat pump standards were also changed.
ACCA President and CEO Paul
T. Stalknecht applauded the package.
“Surveys show that homeowners
want to install higher-efficiency appliances but the higher investment costs
have always been a barrier,” Stalknecht said. “These tax credits help
shorten the payback period and allow homeowners to benefit from lower utility
costs and increased comfort, all while consuming fewer fossil fuels.”
Obama is expected to sign the bill
this afternoon at Denver’s Museum of Nature and Science.
