By making energy efficient choices, you can save energy costs, improve the environment and possibly save additional money through tax credits and state and municipal rebates and incentives. If you’re thinking about adding insulation, replacing windows, buying a new air conditioner, furnace or water heater, or even adding adding solar panels — make sure to check for available tax credits. To find the latest information on these credits, go to: Link to Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) website for more information. Click here for information about incentives and rebates in Texas in the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE). A number of Texas cities have websites dedicated to promoting their energy efficiency programs. Click on Texas’ largest cities with energy efficient options to learn more. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive database of municipal programs and incentives. Oncor Energy Efficiency Programs Oncor Solar Panel Rebates

TXU Energy Efficiency Programs CenterPoint Energy Efficiency Programs American Electric Power Efficiency Programs El Paso Electric Efficiency Programs TNMP Energy Efficiency Programs TNMP Residential Standard Offer Programs TNMP Solar Panel Incentives Xcel Energy Energy Efficiency Programs Green Mountain Carbon Offsets and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) Green Mountain Solar ProgramsA DX unit is a type of ac unit found in many American homes including homes and businesses in Phoenix, Arizona. The air conditioning unit uses condensed refrigerant liquid to cool indoor air. A window ac unit includes an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser in a single unit. You can install one in an existing window or through a specially made opening in an exterior wall. These air conditioning units are usually suitable for small spaces. A packaged DX system has similar components in a single unit. Some have the evaporator, compressor, and condenser located outside the building, but pump cooled air into buildings through ducts.

These systems have the compressor and condenser on the outside and the evaporator and fan inside the unit. These AC systems have fans that push cooled air from evaporators through ducts into entire buildings. Split ductless systems are much quieter than window units. Although split units are efficient, they are not suitable for high-density residential areas because of the outside installation requirements of the new ac unit. This AC systems use liquid water as a cooling medium. Its air conditioning service is more suitable for cooling large buildings than small homes. What to Ask When Replacing a Central Heat and Air Unit Many homeowners find air conditioning service to be expensive. However, with the right decision when buying a new ac unit, you can save on energy bills for many years. Ensure that bids for air conditioner repair come from qualified contractors who are licensed and certified to handle heating and air-conditioning systems. For efficient energy use, choose an appropriate system with the help of a contractor who can correctly size the equipment for your home.

Choosing the right size of AC unit does not only determine heat and air distribution, but it also minimizes cases of air conditioner repair or air conditioner replacement due to wrong sizing. Engage an energy auditor or HVAC contractor to assess the energy needs of your home and make your home more energy efficient. In addition, request ductwork examination to identify air leaks and poor insulation and determine the need for ac repair. problems with unit rootCheck out this SRP energy audit and APS energy audit.list of best ac units Consider using “Energy Star” rated ac units based on your climate zone. in wall ac repairMore efficient systems have higher ratings. However, you should inquire from your contractor if he is familiar with installing the energy-efficient equipment of your choice.

Proper installation increases efficiency and reduces the need for ac repair and air conditioner replacement. If you want to learn more about the HVAC systems or Air Conditioner options we can provide for your home or business call us today at 623-455-6517 and check out our current AC specials. Let Uncle Sam Help Buy Your Next Air Conditioner or Fridge Spruce up your home, save money, and help the environment all at the same time. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, passed to stimulate the economy, Uncle Sam is encouraging the purchase of energy-efficient appliances like never before. Quite simply, the government will send you money for buying an Energy Star appliance. Nearly $300 Million Being Distributed For Consumer Rebates. Programs vary by state, but most cover refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, dish washers, and air conditioners. Most offer rebates anywhere from $75 to $150 to 15% of the appliance’s purchase price. In many states, you can receive even higher rebates if you purchase appliances that are more efficient than Energy Star.

Energy Savings Rebates Underway In Most States. In most states, programs are underway or about to begin. Check to see if your state is participating (the link includes start dates for the program). Our apologies go out to those in Kansas, where the program has been closed. If You’re Remodeling, Now’s The Time. The stimulus bill might make it worth your while to remodel now, by giving you tax credits for improving your insulation, getting tighter windows, or a new heating, cooling, or water heating system. The tax credits are worth 30% of the product’s cost, up to $1,500. For truly earth-friendly items such as solar panels and geothermal heating, there is no upper limit. Minda is vice president of The American Society of Journalists and Authors and co-author of The Geek Gap.YOUR BROWSER IS NOT FULLY SUPPORTED BY LEARNVEST.. We currently support Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer 8+.   Click Here To UpgradeYou’re buying a new furnace, or an air conditioner.

You’ve signed a contract with a local HVAC guy (we’ll call him Harry’s Plumbing & Heating) who’s got a good reputation and was recommended by your father-in-law. Then he pops the question, ‘Do you want an extended warranty on this thing?’ Obviously, Harry’s not going to give you an unbiased answer; he’s making money on each product he sells. Which brings us to our number-one point: remember that HVAC equipment, as long as it’s made by one of the industry leaders, is pretty solid. While some 3 million homeowners have to replace their furnace or air conditioner every year, most of those machines are fairly long in the tooth. We don’t know what percentage of new units fail before they’re a year old, but we’re guessing it’s very low. That said, there are several things you should keep in mind. Choose a good brand. You can research reviews on Angie’s List. Ask for two or three quotes from respected, licensed contractors. Does the company offer a warranty, and how extensive is it?

If you are buying a unit from Goodman, for instance, it comes with a 10-year warranty. You can feel good, man, about that. Point number two: Work with a good contractor. Ask to see his state & industry licenses and certification. Ask for references, and call them. Compare the quotes you receive. Get the guys to give you apples-to-apples comparisons (like quoting on the same system, and breaking down the quote into parts and labor). Point number three: Make a New System resolution to have the unit serviced annually or semi-annually. Nothing stresses an air conditioner or furnace like running for years without lubrication, new filters and other essential adjustments. If you are still nervous about your expensive new beast, consider whether the manufacturer offers an extended warranty. Carrier advertises that, on its high end units, ‘one minute could double your system’s warranty’ (by registering the appliance within 90 days or purchase). Which brings up point number four: Don’t buy a new HVAC system simply on price.