Over $1 million in ENERGY STAR rebates still available in Tennessee

Tennessee has about $1.8 million still available for rebates on purchases of ENERGY STAR qualified appliances to replace existing appliances. The appliances and rebate amounts are:

Central Air Conditioners ($250)

Air Source Heat Pumps ($250)

Gas Furnaces ($150)

Room Air Conditioners ($40)

Tennessee residents that purchased central air conditioners, air-source heat pumps, or gas furnaces after April 22, 2010 are eligible for rebates. Rebates are available on a first come, first served basis.

Also, contractors who are members of TVA’s Quality Contractor Network can receive $100 from TVA for each ENERGY STAR qualified air-source heat pump they install before the end of the year.

For more information about the consumer rebates, visit: http://teearp.efi.org/

For more information about the rebates for contractors, contact Ginger Lawyer, gglawyer@tva.gov.

President Signs Tax Bill- 25c Included

President Obama signed into law an $858 billion dollar tax relief and benefits package which includes.

• A two year extension of the current tax rates.
• An extension of federal unemployment benefits for 13 months.
• Setting a two-year Estate Tax at 35% for individual inheritances over $5 million.
• A 2% reduction in an employee’s contribution to Social Security. Employer’s contributions to Social Security will remain at current levels.

Also included in the tax bill is a one-year extension of the 25c tax credit, which is returned to pre-stimulus levels. Some specifics of the bill as they relate to 25c.

• Eligible taxpayers can claim up to $500 in 2011.
• All efficiency levels stay at the current levels, except for natural gas and propane hot water boilers, and oil hot water boilers or oil furnaces, which will move to 95% AFUE.
• An individual or household lifetime cap of $500, which dates back to January 2006. For example, if an individual has claimed the 25c tax credit since 2006, for any qualifying upgrade up to or over $500, they would be ineligible to claim the credit in 2011.
• As of January 1, 2011, the new credit levels will be:

o $50 for any advanced main air circulating fan
o $150 for any qualified natural gas, propane or oil furnace or hot water boiler.
o $300 for any item of energy-efficient building property (i.e. Central Air/ Heat Pumps)

Washington Adds HVAC to Appliance Rebates

Washington is following the lead of many other states and adding rebates to their appliance rebate program for HVAC products. New HVAC rebates include $200 on Gas Storage Water Heaters, $300 on Gas Condensing Tankless Water Heaters, $250 on Heat Pump Water Heaters, and $750 on Ductless Air Source Heat Pumps.

For more information on Washington's program go to http://www.cashforapplianceswa.com/

Delaware Now Offers Competitive HVAC Rebates

Last month, Delaware started offering new rebates on HVAC products for their appliance rebate program that has been running since September 2009. Rebates of $400 are being offered for energy efficient Central A/C, Air Source Heat Pumps, Gas Furnaces and Oil Furnaces, along with $550 rebates on Gas or Oil Boilers. Don't miss out!

For more information, click here.

Rhode Island Reopens Program

The Office of Energy Resources in Rhode Island has decided to reopen the Appliance Rebate Program, effective immediately. The rebates range from $100 to $500, and include Water Heaters, Boilers, and Furnaces.

For more information go to www.hardinet.org/seearp

California Considers SEEARP Expansion

The California Energy Commission announced plans to expand its Appliance Rebate Program, which has seen slow movement so far. A number of new and improved rebates on white goods are being considered, as well as some new rebates for HVAC units and Water Heaters. Rebates for HVAC units are expected to be between $200 and $1,000 depending on the type, and water heaters are expected to have rebates between $100 and $750. The Commission plans to make firm plans at a meeting on July 28.

For more information visit www.hardinet.org/seearp