Vastola Heating & Cooling

Q: Can you really get a whole HVAC system for half off?  I have had four postcards in my mail with this claim.

A: Yes, but there is some fine print you should know about.  Vastola Heating & Cooling addressed this exact question on the "Ask the Experts" site for Regent Broadcasting.  See below:

Ask the Experts: Article from the regent Broadcasting web-site:

What is all the hype about rebates and incentives on new heating and cooling systems?

There is a lot of talk about the incredible deals available today when you replace your heating and cooling system.  With dozens of postcards in the mail, radio ads non-stop and articles in the newspapers, many people are asking, “What’s the real deal here?”

Here’s the deal: There really are rebates and incentives that can add up to over $3,000 on a heating and cooling system and almost all homeowners qualify. The most important qualifier is that the systems must be energy-saving, high-efficiency models that have been pre-approved for the programs. The whole purpose of the rebates and incentives is to get homes updated with systems that do not waste energy resources and the utility companies, the federal government and equipment manufacturers really are giving away money to get these units in people’s homes.  The cost to contractors has not increased because of the incentives, so, the savings to homeowners is legitimate.

Most furnace and air conditioning manufacturers have equipment that meets all the requirements to qualify for the rebates and a good contractor will be able to assess your needs and find the right fit for your situation. For example, if you plan to stay in your house for the next ten years and your current system is over ten years old, it is worth investing in a higher-efficiency system because the rebates and incentives will off-set the additional cost of upgrading to a better option and you will recoup even more money in energy savings over the life of the equipment. On top of the cost advantage, the systems that qualify have options for increased comfort such as variable speed blowers and multi-stage burners – they provide quieter, more even heating and cooling. If, however, your equipment is newer and you plan to move within a few years, it may not be worth the investment as you will not be in the home long enough to take advantage of the decreased energy bills.

Here is a real-life example of a system we installed for a 1,100 square foot home:

• Install one (1) Lennox Signature 71,000 BTU rated at 95% AFUE  furnace model G71MPP-36-071 located in the basement with all necessary PVC venting for complete installation
• Install one (1) Lennox Elite 16 SEER 2 ton a/c unit model XC14
• Install one (1) Lennox Insulated Indoor cooling coil cabinet model C33-25B
• Install one (1) ComfortSense 7000 programmable thermostat (value $ 89.00)
• Install one (1) Lennox High Efficient Air Cleaner rated at Merv 16 (value $ 265.00)
• Install one (1) Lennox Humidifier (value $ 290.00) 
• Install new power shut off switch on furnace
• Install all necessary supply and return ductwork for complete installation
• Install gas line with new gas shutoff valve, union and drip leg
• Complete Check, Test and Start by qualified Vastola Technician

COMPLETE COST:  $6,000.00 DOLLARS 

WARRANTY:

• Lifetime heat exchanger on Lennox Equipment
• Ten (10) yr parts on Lennox Equipment
• Five (5) yr labor on Lennox Equipment
• One (1) yr parts and labor on all other ADDS: 
  • Install one (1) Lennox Pure Air Unit………………………………………………………………        $    595.00

REBATES & TAX CREDITS: (rebates mail 4-6 weeks Tax credits estimated)

• ABOVE FURNACE QUALIFY FOR A REBATE FROM NATIONAL FUEL $325.00

• LENNOX OPTIONS WOULD HAVE A BONUS REBATE (exp 4/17/09) $1,050.00

• ABOVE INSTALLATION QUALIFIES FOR A 30% TAX CREDIT FOR 2009 or $1,500.00

• NATIONAL GRID: $400.00

TOTAL REBATES AND CREDITS…………………………………………………. $ 3,275.00

This example illustrates exactly where the discounts are coming from. First, the furnace and air conditioning system are high-efficiency and on the list of qualifying equipment published by the utility companies (National Fuel and National Grid). Then, the Lennnox rebate was offered for a limited time by the equipment manufacturer as a promotion at the time of purchase. These offers vary by manufacturer and are not always available, but contractors will often have coupons online or in the newspaper as well. Lastly, in 2009 and 2010, you can take a credit of 30% of the purchase of any energy saving home improvement on your primary residence, up to $1,500. In this case, the homeowner got a high-efficiency, upgraded system with several options for less than half the retail value.

There are other rebates and programs available that are not illustrated above. A good estimator will know what is available at the time purchase and what you qualify for.

Now, some points to remember:

• These programs are for homeowners only
• You must purchase higher-efficiency equipment that qualifies for the programs
• You are responsible for the full purchase price and will receive the rebates in a few weeks after submission
• The tax incentive can only be used once, so if you need new windows or insulation more than a new HVAC system, you might want to use the incentive on a different home improvement project
• Your tax incentive money is credited on your 2009 or 2010 tax forms and not directly payable

There honestly has never been a better time to upgrade your heating and cooling system. For the price of a standard system or less, you can have an energy-saving, quieter and more comfortable system installed and recoup even more money in lower gas and electric bills over the next fifteen to twenty years. Another good thing we are seeing is that the equipment manufacturers are getting savvy to the rebates and are designing more equipment and options that qualify. This means two things; homeowners will find it even easier to save money, and the intent of the programs is working – more and more energy hogging systems are being replaced with greener ones.