The Feds allow a suite of energy tax credits for heating and cooling systems and related energy-efficiency improvements.Read on to learn more.The BasicsLifetime credit max of 10% of costs, up to $500 for all energy improvements combined.File IRS Form 5695 with your returns. This can be tricky, so pay attention to the details.You must have installed a relevant heating and cooling system by Dec. 31, 2016.Save manufacturer certifications and receipts in case you need them for filing.Although there is a $500 overall ceiling, some improvements have individual limits below $500:$50 for any advanced main air-circulating fan.$150 for any qualified natural gas, propane, or oil furnace or hot water boiler.$300 for any qualified item of energy-efficient building property, as specified by the IRS. In previous guidance, this category included certain approved electric and geothermal heat pumps, central air conditioning systems, and natural gas, propane, or oil water heaters.The Energy Star site has guidelines on what heating and cooling systems are covered.

It’s your safest bet for information on which kinds of systems and individual products get you the credit.Don’t rely solely on contractors who may not know the details of the energy tax credit program or who promise their products will get the credit in order to make a sale.What Efficiency Means to Your WalletThe tax credit makes it a little easier to do what you should do anyway. Upgrading your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) to energy-efficient units can cut utility costs by about 20%, or $200 annually, on average.However, you need cash to get going — these upgrades aren’t cheap. Although prices vary, keep in mind that:A high-efficiency furnace starts around $3,500, including installation, estimates Corbett Lunsford, executive director of Chicago-based Green Dream Group, an energy-efficiency and eco-consulting firm.A standard furnace may cost $2,400.Not All Heating and Cooling Systems Qualify for Tax CreditNot even every product with an Energy Star rating will get you the tax credit.

Energy Star-rated furnaces must be more efficient than standard units, with annual fuel utilization efficiency ratings (AFUE) of:85% for oil furnaces90% for gas furnacesAFUE ratings must be higher for credit-eligible furnaces:Gas (either natural gas or propane): 95%Oil: 95%Boilers must have an AFUE of 95%.Central air-conditioners:Split Systems:SEER>= 16EER >= 13Package systems:SEER >= 14EER >= 12Note: Energy Star may update these criteria at any time, so check online before making a purchase.Payback and Benefits of HVAC ReplacementIt typically takes about a decade’s worth of energy savings to recoup the investment in a new HVAC system, Dream Group’s Lunsford says, though that time frame can vary greatly depending on fuel price fluctuations.Less apparent in dollar terms — but still valuable — is the increasing comfort level in your home and lowering your household’s drain on non-renewable fossil fuels.You’ll get a bump up in salability when you’re ready to move on, says Frank Lesh, president of Home Sweet Home Inspection Co. in Indian Head Park, Ill.

That doesn’t mean adding a $5,000 furnace will add $5,000 to the sale price. Rather, potential buyers are less likely to push for repairs or negotiate a credit if the HVAC is in good shape.But before you do, conduct an energy audit of your home. Lunsford, also manager of consumer education for the U.S. Green Building Council’s Chicago Chapter, says he rarely recommends replacing a furnace as the first step in making a home more energy efficient.outdoor air conditioner unit not runningStart by sealing it against air leaks:Do-it-yourself caulking and weatherstripping help, as does adding insulation in the attic.air conditioning fan not working carProfessional air sealing, which is more effective, can cost as much as $5,000 for a large house, he says.how to change outside ac unit

The payoff: Energy costs should go down, and you might get by with a smaller HVAC system.Expert Heating and Cooling (HVAC) Repair & Replacement Sears Home Services is equipped to replace, repair and provide preventative maintenance on your heating and cooling system. We service gas and oil furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, central air and more. Schedule your appointment today! *IMPORTANT SPECIAL FINANCING/DEFERRED INTEREST DETAILS (when offered); Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment. With credit approval, for qualifying purchases made on a Sears card (Sears Commercial One® accounts excluded) Sears Home Improvement AccountSM valid on installed sales only. Offer is only valid for consumer accounts in good standing; is subject to change without notice; see store for details. May not be combined with any other promotional offer. Sears cards: As of 9/6/2016, APR for purchases: Variable 7.49%-27.49% or non-variable 14.00%-29.99%.

Minimum interest charge: up to $2. See card agreement for details, including the APRs and fees applicable to you. Sears cards are issued by Citibank, N.A..You are looking for the best you can buy in an air conditioner or furnace. A step up in design, technology and efficiency, saving you money as well as headaches. When purchasing a new air conditioning system, there are many factors to consider. To help you make your decision, we have answers to questions you may have: A split-system home comfort system uses an outdoor (air conditioner or heat pump) and indoor (gas furnace, air handler or oil furnace) to deliver comfortable air to a living environment.Why Shouldn't I Buy a Combo AC Heater Unit? Good Questions: Why Shouldn't I Buy a Combo AC Heater Unit? I recently discovered a portable Air conditioner + Heater unit which seems to be a genius idea. But I can hardly find any review about most brands of portable AC+heater units. Why aren't people buying them? Are they too new?